Dance Track Studio

For over four decades, Dance Track Studio in Wakefield, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community, inspiring generations of dancers across the North Shore and beyond. Established in 1985 by Marlene and Kelly Russell-Kerr, and now under the direction of Kelly Kerr, this beloved studio has consistently upheld its mission to provide quality dance training in a friendly, relaxed, and incredibly supportive atmosphere where learning becomes a truly enjoyable experience. Dance Track Studio is more than just a place to master steps; it's a vibrant family where every dancer is seen, valued, and encouraged to grow with confidence and joy.

What truly sets Dance Track Studio apart, as consistently highlighted by enthusiastic local parents and students, is the unparalleled dedication and kindness of its staff. As one grateful parent shared after their first year, "We can't be more grateful with Miss Kelly, Isabella and all the people involved in this beautiful project. The patience and kindness with the kids goes above and beyond in every class. I admire them." This commitment to nurturing each child's potential, both as a dancer and an individual, is a hallmark of the studio's philosophy. Students not only learn diverse dance techniques but also vital life skills such as teamwork, kindness, and sharing. The highly organized and beautiful annual recitals are a testament to the studio's professionalism and its ability to create unforgettable experiences for both performers and audiences, leaving families eagerly anticipating the next show. Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, Dance Track Studio's enduring success speaks volumes about its positive impact on the Wakefield community.

At its heart, Dance Track Studio is built on the belief that "dance training is life training." This philosophy, championed by Kelly Kerr, who herself began dancing at two years old in her mother's studio and went on to a professional dance career, ensures that students gain not just technical proficiency but also invaluable life skills like discipline, perseverance, and confidence. The studio strives to create a safe, high-quality environment where students flourish, making it a cherished institution for anyone in Massachusetts looking to embrace the art of dance.

Dance Track Studio is conveniently located at 1117 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880, USA. This address places the studio in a central and easily accessible part of Wakefield, making it an ideal destination for families residing within the town and its neighboring communities in Massachusetts, such as Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, and Lynnfield. Main Street is a primary thoroughfare, providing straightforward navigation for those traveling from various parts of the region.

The studio's location on Main Street benefits from excellent connectivity to major roadways in the North Shore area. It is readily accessible from Interstate 93, a key highway that connects Wakefield to Boston and other northern suburbs, ensuring smooth travel for students coming from a wider geographical radius. Additionally, proximity to other local routes makes it easy to reach from surrounding towns. For those utilizing public transportation, local bus routes often run along Main Street, providing additional accessibility. Ample parking is typically available at or near the facility, which is a significant convenience for parents dropping off or picking up children, and for adult students attending classes. This strategic and accessible location underscores Dance Track Studio's commitment to being a central and convenient hub for dance education, ensuring that a broad range of individuals can easily partake in their high-quality programs.

Dance Track Studio offers a comprehensive and vibrant array of services designed to cater to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and interests. Their diverse offerings include:

• Extensive Dance Styles: A wide range of classes in various popular dance forms, including Ballet (with emphasis on proper technique, body placement, and alignment), Pointe (for advanced ballet students, requiring approval and additional ballet classes), Jazz (traditional jazz technique with warm-ups, center floor, and across-the-floor combinations), Tap (focused on rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork), Hip Hop (featuring new and current dance styles from pop culture, encouraging individual expression), Lyrical (combining ballet and jazz for fluid, expressive movement), Contemporary (blending modern, jazz, lyrical, and ballet with fluid movements), and Acro Dance (blending classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements, following Acro Arts certified program levels).

• Programs for All Ages & Levels: Classes structured for diverse age groups, from "Tiny Dance" (ages 2-4, 30-minute introductory sessions with basic ballet and creative movement), "Preschool - Kindergarten" (45-minute ballet/tap combinations for ages 3-5), to classes for older children, pre-teens, teenagers, and even adults (e.g., Adult Ballet, Adult Hip Hop).

• Combination Classes: Offering various combination classes such as Ballet, Tap, & Acro; Ballet, Tap & Jazz; Lyrical, Tap, & Jazz; and Hip Hop & Acro, providing a well-rounded dance education across multiple disciplines.

• Competitive Dance Company: For dedicated students (typically 5th-12th grade), the Dance Company offers opportunities to participate in community shows and one dance competition per year, with mandatory classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and other advanced techniques.

• Annual Performance Recital: A culminating end-of-year recital held at the Galvin Middle School auditorium, professionally staged and featuring all dancers, providing valuable performance experience and a cherished memory for families.

• Adaptive Dance Program: A specialized program for children with mild to moderate needs, focusing on creative movement with ballet technique support, reinforcing balance, posture, coordination, and self-expression, led by a MA licensed teacher with special education expertise.

• Summer Classes & Camps: Opportunities for continued learning during the off-season, including various dance camps (e.g., Princess Dance Camp, Soundtracks Dance Camp) and ballet intensives, allowing students to maintain skills and explore new styles.

• Focus on Life Skills: Beyond dance technique, the curriculum emphasizes teaching valuable life skills such as teamwork, kindness, sharing, confidence, and perseverance.

• Parent-Friendly Policies: Features like observation windows for parents to watch classes, payment plans for tuition, and small class sizes to ensure personal attention for each student.

Dance Track Studio distinguishes itself within the Wakefield and broader Massachusetts dance community through several key features and highlights that are consistently praised by its dedicated families. A paramount highlight is the deeply nurturing and encouraging environment fostered by the staff, particularly by owner Kelly Kerr. Customers frequently commend the "patience and kindness with the kids," noting how teachers "go above and beyond" in every class. This creates a positive and safe space where children not only feel welcomed but also develop significant confidence and a genuine love for dance.

Another significant feature is the studio's commitment to holistic development, extending beyond mere dance steps. Students at Dance Track Studio learn vital life skills such as teamwork, kindness, and sharing, which are seamlessly integrated into their dance education. This focus on character building alongside technical proficiency ensures that students grow into well-rounded individuals. The studio’s longevity, celebrating over 40 years, further attests to its consistent quality and positive impact on generations of dancers.

Furthermore, Dance Track Studio prides itself on its state-of-the-art facility, including floating wood floors in each studio. These specialized floors, installed on a system of high-density foam and sub-floors, are crucial for absorbing shock, preventing injuries, and providing optimal joint protection—a vital consideration for growing bodies. This investment in student safety and comfort sets Dance Track Studio apart from many others. The highly anticipated annual recitals are another highlight, described as "so well organized" and "beautiful shows," offering professional performance opportunities that are truly memorable for students and their families. The inclusion of an Adaptive Dance Program also demonstrates the studio's dedication to inclusivity, ensuring dance is accessible to all abilities. These combined features solidify Dance Track Studio's reputation as a premier dance destination on the North Shore.

For those interested in exploring the dance programs, enrolling in classes, or connecting with Dance Track Studio, here is their contact information:

Address: 1117 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880, USA

Phone: (781) 224-0600

Mobile Phone: +1 781-224-0600

Website: www.dancetrackstudio.com

You can reach out via phone during their operational hours to inquire about class schedules, registration for the upcoming season (fall registration typically begins in August), tuition information, or any other questions. Their official website, dancetrackstudio.com, is an excellent and comprehensive resource, offering detailed class descriptions, a full schedule for recreational and competitive programs, FAQs, information on their philosophy, and a convenient online registration portal. It is advisable to visit their website for the most current updates, particularly regarding special events, holiday closings, and recital details, ensuring a smooth and informative experience.

Dance Track Studio is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for locals in Wakefield, Massachusetts, and the surrounding North Shore communities. Its profound suitability for residents stems from its long-standing commitment (over 40 years!) to providing not only top-tier dance instruction but also a deeply nurturing and family-oriented environment. For parents, the consistent praise for the staff's "patience and kindness" and the observation that children "steadily improved and loved being there" speaks volumes about the positive impact the studio has on its students' lives, making it an ideal choice for extracurricular development.

The comprehensive curriculum, spanning a wide array of dance styles from classical ballet and pointe to energetic hip hop and unique acro dance, ensures that every student, regardless of age or interest, can find their passion and thrive. The inclusion of specialized programs like the Adaptive Dance Program and the rigorous Dance Company demonstrates the studio's dedication to inclusivity and providing pathways for advanced training. Furthermore, the investment in injury-preventative floating wood floors highlights a genuine concern for student well-being, a crucial factor for growing dancers.

Beyond the technical training, Dance Track Studio excels in fostering invaluable life skills such as teamwork, kindness, sharing, and confidence, creating well-rounded individuals. The highly anticipated and professionally organized annual recitals offer cherished performance opportunities that instill a sense of accomplishment and pride. For any Massachusetts resident seeking a dance education that blends artistic excellence with a supportive community and holistic development, Dance Track Studio offers an unparalleled and truly enriching experience right in their local area.

Dance Track Studio

1117 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880, USA