Frates Dance Studio

For decades, families in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire have sought out high-quality and supportive environments for their children to explore the art of dance. Among the most respected and cherished institutions in this pursuit is Frates Dance Studio in Laconia. With a rich history deeply rooted in the community, Frates Dance Studio has earned a reputation not just as a place to learn dance steps, but as a nurturing space where young dancers blossom, gain confidence, and truly feel affirmed in their passion for movement.

In a world where children’s activities can often feel competitive, Frates Dance Studio consistently stands out for its emphasis on positive reinforcement and genuine care for each student. Local New Hampshire families looking for an extracurricular activity that combines professional instruction with a warm, encouraging atmosphere will find Frates Dance Studio to be an exceptional choice. The enduring legacy of this studio, reflected in multiple generations of dancers passing through its doors, speaks volumes about its impact and continued relevance in the local arts scene.

This article will provide an insightful overview of Frates Dance Studio, detailing its historical presence in Laconia, its convenient location, the diverse range of dance services it has historically offered, its standout features and philosophy, and how local residents can connect with this beloved institution. While ownership has transitioned, the core values and teaching philosophies that defined Frates Dance Studio for over 30 years continue to resonate in the dance community it helped shape.

Frates Dance Studio was historically located at 171 Fair St, Laconia, NH 03246, USA. This address places the studio in a central and accessible part of Laconia, making it a convenient destination for families throughout the city and surrounding areas of the Lakes Region. Fair Street is a familiar thoroughfare, which simplifies navigation for those traveling to and from classes. Being situated within Laconia’s urban fabric meant easy integration into daily routines, whether for after-school activities or weekend sessions. As a long-standing establishment, the studio benefited from its local presence, becoming a recognizable landmark for dance education in the community. While the studio's legacy continues, it is important for prospective students to note that the physical location at 171 Fair St has transitioned to a new studio, Dancing Feet Studios, which continues the teaching philosophy established by Joan Frates. Therefore, those looking for the *spirit* and *legacy* of Frates Dance Studio's teaching should connect with this continued lineage.

For over three decades, Frates Dance Studio offered a foundational and diverse range of dance classes to the Laconia community, catering to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels. While the exact, exhaustive list of every class offered throughout its long history may vary, the core offerings that built its reputation and continue to influence the dance landscape it fostered included:

• Core Dance Disciplines: Frates Dance Studio consistently offered essential dance styles such as Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. These foundational classes were crucial for developing technique, grace, rhythm, and coordination.
• Lyrical and Contemporary: For those interested in more expressive and emotionally driven movement, classes in Lyrical and Contemporary dance were likely offered, allowing students to explore storytelling through dance.
• Hip Hop: Keeping pace with popular trends, Hip Hop classes provided an energetic and dynamic outlet for students to learn street-style dance.
• Classes for Various Ages: The studio welcomed a broad age range, from young children taking their initial steps in dance to older students and even adults, ensuring that dance was accessible to everyone in the community. Customer reviews confirm children as young as those in their first year of dance to those with many years of experience.
• Performance Opportunities: While specific details about annual recitals or performance groups for Frates Dance Studio itself are historical, dance studios of its caliber typically culminated seasons with annual recitals, providing students with valuable stage experience and a chance to showcase their learned skills to family and friends. This aspect continues through its legacy.
• Emphasis on Fun and Learning: The teaching philosophy always centered around making dance a positive, enjoyable, and educational experience, focusing on both technique and the joy of movement.

The consistent offering of these core classes helped shape generations of dancers in the Lakes Region, instilling a love for the art form that extended beyond the studio walls.

Frates Dance Studio's long-standing success and beloved status in the Laconia community were built upon several distinctive features and a core philosophy that resonated deeply with families:

• Long-Standing Legacy and Community Roots: Frates Dance Studio, under the leadership of Joan Frates for over 30 years, established a remarkable legacy. Its deep roots in Laconia mean that multiple generations of families have experienced its unique approach to dance education, building a strong sense of community and tradition around the studio.
• Nurturing and Affirming Environment: A standout highlight consistently mentioned by parents is the studio's ability to create a "wonderful" and affirming atmosphere. Students consistently "left class feeling affirmed," indicating a strong focus on positive reinforcement, personal growth, and self-esteem building alongside dance technique.
• Dedicated and Amazing Staff: Customer testimonials repeatedly praise the entire staff as "absolutely wonderful" and "amazing." This suggests a team of highly skilled, compassionate, and committed instructors who genuinely care about their students' development and well-being.
• Focus on Individual Learning and Growth: The studio's approach allowed daughters to learn "so much from all of them," indicating a personalized teaching style that caters to individual progress rather than a one-size-fits-all method. This ensures each student can reach their full potential at their own pace.
• Seamless Transition of Philosophy: Even with a change in ownership and name (to Dancing Feet Studios at the same location, then later relocating), the underlying teaching philosophy and welcoming atmosphere that Joan Frates championed have been purposefully carried forward by her former student, Katie LaRoche. This ensures that the spirit of Frates Dance Studio continues to enrich the community.
• Emphasis on Enjoyment and Creativity: The philosophy instilled by Joan Frates, and continued by the subsequent owner, emphasized that dance "is supposed to be fun, a learning experience" and that "It doesn't matter if you're good or bad, just have fun with it." This creative and joyful approach is a major draw for families.

For those looking to connect with the legacy and spirit of Frates Dance Studio, or to inquire about current dance classes that embody its cherished philosophy, please note the transition of the studio. While the original Frates Dance Studio at 171 Fair St, Laconia, NH, has evolved, its core values are carried forward. The direct contact information for what was historically Frates Dance Studio is:

• Historical Address: 171 Fair St, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
• Phone: (603) 528-7651
• Mobile Phone: +1 603-528-7651

It is important for prospective students and parents in New Hampshire to be aware that the business operating at this specific address (171 Fair St, Laconia) is now Dancing Feet Studios, led by Katie LaRoche, a former student of Joan Frates. Katie has explicitly stated her intention to maintain the "same mindset, the same teaching philosophy" as Frates Creative Arts Center. Therefore, to experience the continued legacy of nurturing and affirming dance instruction that defined Frates Dance Studio, it is highly recommended to contact Dancing Feet Studios directly for current class offerings and information.

For locals in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, Frates Dance Studio, and its continuing legacy through Dancing Feet Studios, remains an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education. The consistent testimonials from long-time families underscore its unique ability to provide a deeply affirming and positive environment, which is paramount for a child's development in any activity. The fact that daughters have spent "8th year of dancing" and "5 years of dance" there, always leaving "feeling affirmed," speaks volumes about the studio's lasting positive impact and its ability to foster genuine love and confidence in its students.

In a world where children often face external pressures, a dance studio that prioritizes affirmation, fun, and learning over rigid competition is an invaluable local resource. The personal investment of the instructors, many of whom have themselves been students under Joan Frates' tutelage, ensures that this cherished philosophy is authentically passed down. This continuity and commitment to a nurturing atmosphere make the studio a true "home" for dancers, where they can explore creativity, build skills, and form lasting friendships in a supportive community.

Choosing to enroll with the studio that carries the Frates Dance Studio legacy means selecting a place where your child will not only learn to dance but will also grow into a confident, expressive, and affirmed individual, all within the familiar and welcoming community of Laconia, New Hampshire.

Frates Dance Studio

171 Fair St, Laconia, NH 03246, USA