Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio

For residents of Maine, especially those living in our vibrant city of Portland, finding a place where movement, art, and community beautifully intertwine is a true treasure. Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio, established in 1983 by Sheila Bellefleur, stands as an exceptional point of interest for anyone seeking quality dance education in a truly welcoming environment. It’s more than just a dance school; it's a hub where the belief that "dance is for everyone" is actively lived out, making it a beloved institution for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Casco Bay Movers originated with a specialization in jazz dance and adult classes, providing essential training for the professional jazz dance company that Sheila Bellefleur directed. Soon after its founding, the studio expanded to include children's classes, notably incorporating the innovative "Danceimagination program." This groundbreaking, developmentally appropriate, and child-centered approach to dance training, devised by Michelle Stuckey, was the first of its kind in Maine. Today, Casco Bay Movers continues to build on this philosophy, integrating influences from Brain-Compatible Dance Education, BrainDance, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to offer a truly holistic and enriching experience.

The studio's commitment to inclusivity and excellence is consistently highlighted by its patrons. As one former professional dancer enthusiastically shared, "I love Casco Bay Movers so much! They are a truly inclusive studio who believes dance is for everyone. I'm a former professional dancer who loves to take class for enjoyment, and they have a wonderful diversity of options and fabulous teachers." This sentiment underscores the studio's ability to cater to a wide range of skill levels, from those rediscovering dance for pure enjoyment to aspiring young artists. The same reviewer also praised the children's classes, being "impressed by their focus on dance as an art form, strong education, and the joy of movement for everyone. Really love this special and welcoming place." This feedback perfectly encapsulates the studio's dual commitment to artistic integrity and the sheer pleasure of movement.

Beyond traditional classes, Casco Bay Movers also excels in specialized instruction. A testament to their versatility and personalized approach comes from a couple who took private lessons for their wedding: "My wife and I took private lessons from Alex in advance of our wedding and had a wonderful experience. Alex was very easy to work with and really boosted our confidence when it came to dancing. Much appreciation and highly recommended." This demonstrates the studio's ability to tailor instruction to specific needs and goals, building confidence and making dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of prior experience.

A core part of Casco Bay Movers' identity is its mission to foster "community over competition." This means creating a supportive and non-competitive environment where students are encouraged to learn from and inspire one another. Their team of professional teaching artists proudly offers the highest quality training in a diverse array of styles, including jazz, ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, hip hop, and creative movement. Furthermore, Casco Bay Movers actively works to make dance accessible to all, providing "equal opportunities for participation and involvement" and holding the strong belief that "our community is stronger when our doors open to all." They do not discriminate by race, age, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation, truly embodying their inclusive philosophy.

Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio is conveniently located in Portland, Maine, making it a highly accessible and central point of interest for dance enthusiasts throughout the greater Portland area and surrounding communities. You'll find their well-established studio at:

517 Forest Ave #6, Portland, ME 04101, USA

While the studio does have some dedicated parking, visitors often find ample on-street parking on nearby streets like Forest Avenue, Belmont, Ashmont, Noyes, and Dartmouth streets. It's advisable to be mindful of any 1-2 hour parking signs in these areas. For those crossing Forest Avenue, using the designated crosswalks is recommended for safety. This central Portland location ensures that quality dance education is within easy reach for many Maine residents, facilitating consistent attendance and engagement with the vibrant performing arts scene.

• Comprehensive dance instruction for all movers, from ages 2 through adults.
• Diverse range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Creative Movement.
• "Danceimagination" program for young children, focusing on a developmentally appropriate, child-centered approach.
• Adult classes available on a drop-in basis with various pricing options, including single classes, 10-class cards, and a new student welcome pack.
• Private dance lessons for individuals or couples (e.g., wedding dance preparation).
• Specialized programs like Dance Church (an all-levels movement class).
• Portland Youth Dance Company, offering opportunities for young teens in performing, choreographing, and outreach.
• Community outreach programs providing free dance classes to children in need in the Greater Portland area.
• Scholarship funds for students in financial need for scholastic year classes and Youth Company tuition.
• Emphasis on physical fitness, emotional expression, creative thinking, and spiritual awareness through dance.
• Instruction influenced by Brain-Compatible Dance Education, BrainDance, and SEL.
• Performance opportunities, including annual Spring Dance Concerts and Portland Youth Dance performances.

• Truly Inclusive Studio: Firmly believes "dance is for everyone," welcoming people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and identities, with no discrimination.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Established in 1983, providing decades of quality dance education in Maine.
• Experienced & Fabulous Teachers: Instructors are professional teaching artists committed to high-quality training and positive reinforcement.
• Focus on Dance as an Art Form: Emphasizes strong education and the joy of movement, rather than solely competition.
• Community Over Competition: Fosters a supportive and non-competitive environment, encouraging mutual inspiration.
• Holistic Development: Aims to develop emotional expression, creative thinking, physical fitness, and spiritual awareness.
• Innovative Children's Programs: Incorporates "Danceimagination" and influences from Brain-Compatible Dance Education.
• Portland Youth Dance Home: Serves as the home studio for Portland Youth Dance, offering advanced opportunities and community outreach.
• Flexible Adult Options: Offers drop-in classes and various pricing structures for adult dancers.
• Personalized Instruction: Capable of providing tailored private lessons for specific events or skill development.

Phone: (207) 871-1013

Mobile Phone: +1 207-871-1013

Address: 517 Forest Ave #6, Portland, ME 04101, USA

For residents of Maine, particularly those in Portland and the surrounding communities, Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local point of interest for dance education and personal well-being. Its convenient location at 517 Forest Ave in Portland ensures excellent accessibility, making it easy for local individuals and families to integrate consistent dance training into their routines without significant travel burdens. This accessibility is key to its role as a vital community resource.

What truly makes Casco Bay Movers ideal for locals is its profound commitment to inclusivity and its philosophy that "dance is for everyone." This isn't just a slogan; it's evident in their diverse class offerings catering to all ages and abilities, and their active efforts to provide a "welcoming and supportive space for all to study dance." The glowing testimonials, from a former professional dancer praising their "wonderful diversity of options and fabulous teachers" to a couple commending their private wedding dance lessons for boosting confidence, highlight the studio's versatility and its ability to meet varied needs within our local population. Whether you seek rigorous technical training, a joyful creative outlet, or a supportive community, Casco Bay Movers delivers.

Furthermore, the studio's unique focus on "dance as an art form, strong education, and the joy of movement," rather than solely competition, fosters a healthier and more sustainable engagement with dance. This approach, combined with their outreach programs through Portland Youth Dance to make dance accessible to underserved children, truly enriches our community. For any Maine resident seeking a dance studio that offers professional instruction, a nurturing environment, and a genuine belief in the transformative power of dance for all, Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio in Portland is an unparalleled local resource that significantly contributes to the health and vitality of our cultural landscape.

Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio

517 Forest Ave #6, Portland, ME 04101, USA