Joanne Langione Dance Center: A Foundation of Dance and Community in Newton, MA

Joanne Langione Dance Center Introduce

For families across Massachusetts, particularly those in the vibrant community of Newton and surrounding areas, finding a dance school that offers not just exceptional instruction but also a truly nurturing and supportive environment is a top priority. The Joanne Langione Dance Center (JLDC), located in Newton, stands as a premier point of interest, a cherished institution that has been fostering a love for dance in young people for nearly five decades. Since its establishment in 1976, JLDC has been at the forefront of youth dance education, built on a philosophy that prioritizes developmental growth and joy over mere competition.

At the heart of JLDC’s enduring success is its commitment to its motto: "Where children learn to dance in an atmosphere of love and support." This isn't just a slogan; it's a lived experience for the thousands of students who have passed through its doors. The studio's approach recognizes that dance is a powerful tool for building confidence, creativity, discipline, and lasting friendships. As locals, we appreciate businesses that become integral parts of our community, and JLDC has certainly achieved that status, becoming a second home for generations of Massachusetts families.

The dedication of the JLDC faculty is consistently praised by parents and students alike. One parent enthusiastically shared: "Cannot recommend JLDC highly enough. My daughter has been dancing there for 8 years and loves it so much. My son also starting taking Hip Hop classes there a few years ago. All the teachers are great and are very skilled dancers, but more importantly they are kind and encouraging. My respect for the professionalism of the studio only increased during the pandemic---with every twist and turn, they were able to continue to provide and safe and joyful place for my kids to dance." This testimonial highlights not only the skill of the instructors but also their compassionate and resilient nature, especially during challenging times.

Another parent echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the profound impact of the studio: "If I could give JLDC 10 stars I would. My daughter has been dancing there for the past 2 years and has had the best experience. The teachers are all highly skilled and treat everyone like family. During the pandemic, they went above and beyond to keep everyone safe and keep the dancing alive. It has been my daughter's happy place and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in any form of dance." These reviews underscore the core values of JLDC: a professional yet familial atmosphere, expert teaching, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being and joy.

The Joanne Langione Dance Center offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to inspire dancers from as young as 9 months old up to 18 years. Their innovative programs, such as "Playdance" for toddlers (which has even been featured on PBS), demonstrate a deep understanding of early childhood development through movement. For older students, the variety of dance styles and the introduction of cutting-edge programs like "theDANCELAB" ensure that every dancer, whether aspiring professional or dancing for pure enjoyment, receives the highest caliber of training. JLDC's legacy as a leader in dance education makes it an unparalleled point of interest for families across Massachusetts seeking a vibrant and supportive artistic home.

Location and Accessibility

The Joanne Langione Dance Center is conveniently located at 38 Border St, Newton, MA 02465, USA. This accessible address places the studio prominently in Newton, making it a highly desirable point of interest for families throughout the city and surrounding Massachusetts communities. Its location in West Newton ensures easy reach for residents of neighboring towns such as Watertown, Wellesley, Waltham, Belmont, and the wider Boston metropolitan area.

For those traveling by car, Border Street is well-connected within Newton, facilitating straightforward navigation to the studio. A significant highlight of JLDC's facility is the provision of free, private parking. This is a considerable advantage for parents and students, eliminating the typical urban parking challenges and ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival and departure. Additionally, the studio offers "sidewalk valet" for safe, easy, and quick student drop-off and pick-up, further enhancing convenience for busy Massachusetts families.

While driving is a popular option, the studio's location in Newton also benefits from its proximity to public transportation. Newton is well-served by the MBTA, with various bus routes and commuter rail stops that may be within a reasonable distance of Border Street. This public transport accessibility ensures that JLDC remains reachable for a broad demographic of students across Massachusetts, regardless of their mode of travel.

The facility itself is a state-of-the-art space, boasting over 11,000 sq. ft. including four modern studios, high ceilings, sprung Marley floors, full-length mirrors, and professional audio/video systems. It even features a black-box style dance theater for in-house performances. These amenities, coupled with comfortable student gathering places, restrooms, changing areas, a Dancers' Boutique, and a parent lobby with Wi-Fi, create a truly welcoming and functional environment. This commitment to a high-quality facility further enhances JLDC's appeal as a top point of interest for dance in Massachusetts.

Services Offered

Playdance Program (6 months - 3 years): An early childhood dance program focusing on the cognitive and neurological benefits of music and movement for infants and toddlers, often with parent participation.
JL Kids Programs (3-10 years): Age-appropriate classes introducing fundamental dance techniques in various styles, emphasizing fun, creativity, and skill development.
JL Teens Programs (11-18 years): Comprehensive dance training for older students, covering a range of styles and offering pathways for both recreational and more serious dancers.
Classical Ballet: Core training in classical ballet technique, with annual ballet exams administered by the American Academy of Ballet.
Modern Dance: Classes focusing on expressive, free-flowing movement, often a departure from classical forms.
Contemporary Dance: Blending elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, emphasizing versatility, emotional expression, and fluidity.
Jazz Dance: Energetic classes incorporating various jazz styles, focusing on rhythm, coordination, and performance.
Hip-Hop Dance: Popular and dynamic street-style dance forms, with a dedicated program that is popular with students of all ages and levels.
Tap Dance: Rhythmic footwork and percussive dance, emphasizing musicality and coordination.
Acrodance: Combines dance technique with acrobatic and gymnastic elements, building strength, flexibility, and agility.
theDANCELAB: An individualized training program introduced in 2023, offering small-group instruction to advance performance technique and focusing on fundamental skills tailored to age and ability.
JL SummerDance: A multi-program summer offering for all ages (12 months to older students), emphasizing technique, performance activities, and fun.
School for Excellence: An advanced program for dedicated students seeking rigorous training.
Annual Public Performances: Stages sixteen public performances each year, providing students with valuable stage experience.
In-House Showcases: Opportunities for informal showcases in their black-box style dance theater.
Un. Convention: An innovative home-studio dance convention, revolutionizing the standard convention experience by bringing world-renowned mentorship and a more welcoming environment directly to students.

Features / Highlights

Decades of Excellence: Established in 1976, making it one of the oldest and most respected youth dance schools in Massachusetts, with over 49 years of experience.
Nurturing and Supportive Atmosphere: Core mission is to provide a "safe and joyful place" where children learn to dance in an atmosphere of "love and support," praised consistently by parents.
Highly Skilled and Encouraging Faculty: Teachers are not only technically proficient dancers but also kind, patient, and motivating, treating students "like family."
Developmental and Avocational Model: Focuses on holistic development and fostering a lifelong love of dance, rather than solely a competitive approach.
State-of-the-Art Facility: Over 11,000 sq. ft. with five modern studios (recently added 5th studio), sprung Marley floors, professional audio/video, and a black-box style dance theater.
Innovative Programs: Pioneered "Playdance" for toddlers (featured on PBS) and introduced "theDANCELAB" for individualized technical advancement and "Un. Convention" for a unique home-studio convention experience.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a wide range of dance styles including classical ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and acrodance for all ages (9 months - 18 years).
Strong Community Engagement: Actively involved in the Newton community, with students performing at citywide cultural arts events, fairs, and for retirement communities.
Adaptability During Challenges: Demonstrated professionalism and ability to "go above and beyond" to continue providing safe dance education, notably during the pandemic.
Alumni Success: Many former students have pursued professional dance careers, showcasing the quality of training.
Convenient Amenities: Features free, private parking, sidewalk valet for drop-off/pick-up, student gathering places, and a Dancers' Boutique.

Contact Information

Address: 38 Border St, Newton, MA 02465, USA

Phone: (617) 969-8724

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For families throughout Massachusetts, particularly those residing in Newton and its surrounding vibrant communities, the Joanne Langione Dance Center stands as an unparalleled point of interest for dance education. Its long-standing reputation, nurtured over nearly five decades since 1976, solidifies its position as a trusted and beloved institution in our local landscape. The convenient location at 38 Border St in Newton, coupled with crucial amenities like free private parking and a dedicated drop-off/pick-up system, makes it incredibly accessible and practical for busy families.

What truly makes JLDC uniquely suitable for locals is its deeply ingrained philosophy of fostering a love for dance in a "safe and joyful place" where every child feels "loved and supported." Reviews consistently highlight the faculty's exceptional skill, kindness, and encouraging nature, creating a family-like atmosphere that goes beyond mere instruction. This holistic approach ensures that children not only develop technical dance proficiency in a wide range of styles but also build confidence, creativity, and lasting friendships.

The studio's commitment to innovation, from its pioneering "Playdance" program for the youngest dancers to its advanced "theDANCELAB" and revolutionary "Un. Convention," demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that constantly enriches the student experience. With a state-of-the-art facility and active community involvement, Joanne Langione Dance Center offers a comprehensive, high-quality, and deeply caring environment. For Massachusetts locals seeking a premier dance home where their children can truly thrive, JLDC is undoubtedly the top recommendation.

Joanne Langione Dance Center Services

Dance School
Beginner's classes
Youth classes
AcroDance, Grades 2 - 5
AcroDance is the fusion of classic dance technique with the precision and athleticism of tumbling. Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all, discipline and concentration.
AcroDance, Grades 6 - 12
AcroDance is the fusion of classic dance technique with the precision and athleticism of tumbling. Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all, discipline and concentration.
Acrobatic Arts
Acrobatic Training
Acrodance Classes
Acrodance, Grades K-1
Acrodance is the fusion of dance technique with the precision and athleticism of tumbling. Students gain flexibility, balance, muscle control, and above all learn discipline and concentration becoming instantly proud of their new-found skills.
Advanced Acrobatics
Art Dance Studios
Babydance Classes
Babydance, Ages 6-12 Months
Award winning Babydance is a gentle movement class that encourages babies’ natural curiosity for exploration and helps advance social and physical skills, confidence and contentment setting the stage for future healthy development.
Ballet Classes
Basic Acrobatic
Beginner/Intermediate Acrodance, Grades K - 5
This is the fusion of age classic dance technique with proper body alignment and the precision and athleticism of tumbling. Under the guidance of our qualified teachers, students learn basic acrobatic skills such as handstands, cartwheels, bridges, forward and backward rolls.
Choreography Class
Contemporary Dance
Dance Classes For Kids
Dance Competition
Competition helps keep students on the ladder of progress in performance and technique while giving them confidence and strengthening bonds with classmates.
Dance Education For
Dance Lessons
Dance Parties
Dance Performances
Dance Recital Programs
Creating, composing, and performing are important tools for our students to develop and discover talent. Coaching dancers in performance is an integral part of JLDC’s artistic life.
Dance Technique Classes
Dance Theater
Dance Theatre
Dance Workshop
Danceworks 2 & 3, Grades 6 - 7
Danceworks is a set of four dance technique classes in three genres. Students take two ballet classes, a jazz, and tap class meeting twice weekly. As students develop strong ballet technique and progress through the program they are introduced to more challenging curriculum.
Day Program
Dress Rehearsal
Events Performances
Foot Lab
The Foot Lab focuses on strengthening all of the muscles that we may not always think about but are extremely valuable to improve stability, control, and injury prevention. Advanced dancers may take class en pointe.
Full Day Summerdance, Ages 7 - 14
Full Day Summerdance is a week-long performance based program for beginner/intermediate students that culminates in a fully staged musical showcase in our black-box style Studio 4 Dance Theater.
Fundamentals, Grades 2 - 4
In Fundamentals, the formal study of ballet begins with simple barre and center floor technique. A fun, short section of tap, jazz and hip-hop is given to increase strength, mobility, and control in this 1.5 hr class.
Half Day Summerdance, Ages 3 - 6
Our Half Day Summerdance program provides an opportunity to learn to dance in an informal setting with emphasis on creativity, fun and the joy of movement. Dancers will participate in arts and crafts and outdoor games daily in our covered backyard classroom.
Hip Hop 1, Grades K & 1
Hip Hop 1 introduces students to hip hop dance technique which offers freestyle movement and expression while improving balance, coordination and flexibility as students learn beginning isolations and footwork of popping and locking.
Hip Hop Class
Hip Hop Dance Team, Grades 6 - 12
JLDC Hip Hop Team for intermediate/advanced students provides intense training in the latest freestyle technique to prepare for try-outs for the High School Dance Team. Connect through dance. Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork.
Hip Hop, Grades 2 - 5
Hip Hop is a dynamic art form in which all the latest dance techniques are created. Set to popular music, Hip Hop helps develop a sense of rhythm, improves flexibility, balance, coordination and individual style.
Hip Hop, Grades 6 - 12
Hip Hop is a dynamic class teaching all the latest moves aimed at improving flexibility, balance, and coordination. Set to popular music in a fun, fast-paced setting, Hip Hop class helps develop a sense of rhythm, musicality and individual style.
Hip Hop/Acro 1, Grades K-1
Hip Hop/Acro combines fun hip hop moves with the fitness of basic tumbling. This is a fast paced class that keeps students moving, building skill, and feeling confident in a fun, safe environment.
Hip Hop/Acrodance, Grades K - 3
Hip Hop/Acro combines fun hip hop moves with the fitness of basic tumbling. This is a fast-paced class that will keep kids moving and feeling confident in a fun, safe environment.
Individualized Training
Intermediate/Advanced Acrodance | Grades 2 - 12
Advanced AcroDance builds upon basic technique while continuing to work on flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control and also learning more advanced acrobatics.
Intro to Dance, Ages 3-5
Introduction to Dance teaches age-appropriate basic ballet movement such as plié, elevé, sauté, and echappé in an informal class that allows for exploration, imagination and fun taught by ballet instructors who have studied early childhood development and who love working with young children.
JLDC School For Excellence
The Excel Program is offered to students who have worked diligently to develop their own creativity and technique. Classes are accelerated and offered to qualified students by invitation.
Jazz/Tap, Grades K-1
Jazz/Tap introduces students to the basics of Tap and Jazz technique set in a traditional warm-up, progressions, and choreography class structure. Students improve flexibility, rhythm, coordination, and confidence as they build their dance vocabulary.
Jazz/Tap/Contemporary, Grades 6 - 12
These core classes teach students the foundational technique of each genre. Classes include a warm-up, technique exercises, progressions, stretches and choreography. Students also explore the creative process and experiment with improvisation and musicality at all levels.
Junior Apprentice Program, Ages 11 - 14
The Junior Apprentice program is geared toward a unique and exciting opportunity to be classroom leaders. Apprentices participate in the Full Day program with the additional benefit of demonstrating in the classroom, choreographing, and working closely with JLDC faculty.
Leap Lab
Students will build strength and flexibility in leaps and jumps. As dancers advance, they will learn new variations that they can implement into their dance technique. Advanced dancers should have full split flexibility.
Live Stream Classes
Movement Class
Nutcracker Ballet
PLAYDANCE Summer Session, Ages 1 - 3.5
For babies and toddlers who are discovering so much about the world around them each day, our award-winning Playdance program continues throughout the year and helps advance physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Playdance
Playdance 1 is a unique, hands-on class that fosters toddlers’ natural love of music and movement. Using a large open dance space, engaging props, and a variety of popular song and movement activities, Playdancers are encouraged to use their imaginations and repetition.
Playdance 1, Ages 1 - 2.5 Years
Playdance 1 is a unique, hands-on class that fosters toddlers’ natural love of music and movement. Using a large open dance space, engaging props, and a variety of popular song and movement activities.
Playdance 2, Ages 2 - 3.5 Years
Playdance 2 combines new and familiar song and movement activities in an engaging environment that builds in routine, helping pre-schoolers understand transitional cues and sequence. While encouraging imagination and play each week, fun listening and movement games.
Pre-Ballet/Tap, Grades K & 1
Pre-Ballet/Tap teaches basic ballet movement terminology introducing the ballet barre for the first time. Center floor exercise focuses on learning ballet positions to advance technique and memory.
Pre-School
Preparatory Program, Grades 8 - 12
JLDC Dancers Preparatory Program trains upper school students to dance at the collegiate level or pre-professional level upon graduation. Core classes are taken along with elective and specialty classes geared to students ability and interest.
Private Dance Training
Production Design
Regular Classes
Skill Lab
Dancers of all levels will learn techniques such as chin stands, aerials and illusions. Beginner students will learn the fundamentals and progress towards achieving new skills, while advanced dancers will have the opportunity to refine intricate moves that will compliment their training.
Special Events
Specialty Classes
Strength Lab
Leave Strength Lab a stronger version of YOU! Age appropriate strength training allows students to meet the needs that dance physically demands.
Strength Training
Stretch Lab
One of the most important aspects of dance training is strengthening flexibility. Students will increase their range of motion by using proper body alignment, bands and blocks
Summer Dance Classes
Tap Class
Teen Dance Collective, Grades 6 - 12
A seminar class designed for beginner/intermediate dancers who wish to study technique in four dance styles: ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Students study fundamentals of each dance technique while refining skills.
Training Class
Training Program
Turn Lab
From working on a single pirouette, to mastering multiple turn sequences, beginner and intermediate dancers will improve their balance, strength, and spotting techniques. While more advanced dancers will work on executing multiple turn rotations, fouettés and turns in second.
Tween Dance Program, Grades 4 & 5
Tweens learn the basics of jazz and tap technique and choreography. While refining their skills each week they create deeper connections to the music, movement, and each other.
Un.Convention Boston, Ages 6 - 18
Un.Convention Boston is a unique 4 day dance workshop that delivers the best aspects of a dance convention in an intimate, studio setting, offered exclusively at JLDC. Dancers take class alongside JLDC faculty and friends with some of the best dancers and choreographers in the world.
theDANCELAB
theDANCELAB is an individualized training program at JLDC for dancers to advance performance technique working on flexibility, turn stability, leap height and extension, correct body alignment, core strength and foot stretching skills.

Joanne Langione Dance Center Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Online classes
Onsite services

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Joanne Langione Dance Center Photos

Joanne Langione Dance Center Location

Joanne Langione Dance Center

Massachusetts Middlesex County Newton West Newton Border Street

38 Border St, Newton, MA 02465, USA

Joanne Langione Dance Center Reviews

An average rating of ★5 from 31 user reviews.

balletcommunityenvironmentsecond homeartskills

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Cannot recommend JLDC highly enough. My daughter has been dancing there for 8 years and loves it so much. My son also starting taking Hip Hop classes there a few years ago. All the teachers are great and are very skilled dancers, but more importantly they are kind and encouraging.My respect for the professionalism of the studio only increased during the pandemic---with every twist and turn, they were able to continue to provide and safe and joyful place for my kids to dance.
Aug 09, 2021 · Maribeth Cusick
If I could give JLDC 10 stars I would. My daughter has been dancing there for the past 2 years and has had the best experience. The teachers are all highly skilled and treat everyone like family. During the pandemic, they went above and beyond to keep everyone safe and keep the dancing alive. It has been my daughter's happy place and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in any form of dance.
Aug 25, 2021 · Darrell / Kim Marshall
My daughters love the staff and the classes. The teachers are amazing and make class so much fun for the children. I can’t believe how much they learn in a year and how well they are able to execute their performances at the end of the year. They offer many different classes and you are able to trial the class to make sure it’s the right fit for your child! The recitals are extremely well run and enjoyable to watch. I highly recommend JLDC to anyone whose child loves to dance!
Jun 28, 2018 · Debbie Kuronen
We started off with this dance company for a one or two week half-day camp for our four year old daughter last year. She loved it so much that we decided to have her go there during the school year. We are not far from Newton but just far enough for it to be challenging. After we experienced the dance recital. We watched our daughter overcome stage fright and really enjoy, helping her fellow students during the performance. Watching the teachers work with a little kids was just amazing. I come from New York and growing up as a dancer, we had very tough teachers . This was the exact opposite. Such a warm environment. We didn’t really have much intention of continuing because of the challenge of how far it is and we thought maybe will pick a day in school that’s a bit closer to us, but she loved it so much that not only are we continuing next year, but we even canceled one of our camp weeks so that she can go here instead for a week camp session .
Jun 08, 2023 · Nikki DePasquale-Gauvin
My daughter has been dancing at JLDC for 11 years! It has been a place that has taught her so much more than dance though, she’s learning about teamwork, motivation, discipline, empathy and more. Her teachers and classmates are more like family. She has group of classmates that have become her best friends, and it so nice to have this group of girls from all different towns, in addition to her school friends!
Oct 09, 2021 · Deborah Dorman (Deb)