Lisa Matias Dance Centre

For over four decades, the Lisa Matias Dance Centre in West Hartford has been a cherished institution for countless families across Connecticut. More than just a place to learn dance steps, it is a vibrant community where students of all ages discover the joy of movement, build self-confidence, and forge lasting memories. Since opening its doors 30 years ago (and with over 40 years of quality dance education), Lisa Matias Dance Centre has cultivated an amazing atmosphere that truly "rubs off on the students," making learning a fun and eagerly anticipated experience.

At the heart of the Lisa Matias Dance Centre's enduring success is its unique philosophy: the focus is on "enjoying you, and being comfortable about yourself, having fun and all while learning the art of dance." This approach sets it apart, ensuring that every student, regardless of their prior experience or skill level, feels welcomed, supported, and never "made to feel she wasn't as good as the other girls." This nurturing environment is paramount, allowing young dancers to flourish gracefully and confidently, even if they are new to the world of dance.

Lisa Matias herself brings a wealth of experience and passion to the studio. Beyond leading her own successful dance center, Lisa has a rich history in dance education and community engagement. She has led dance programs at institutions like SJC, taught extensively for the Hartford Conservatory, and for over 30 years, has been an adjunct faculty member at Trinity College in both the Theater & Dance department and the Human Rights Studies and Community Learning Initiative departments. Her involvement as Associate Artistic Director of "Moving Matters!" in the Hartford Public Schools, an intensive arts integration program, and her work with the Justice Dance Performance Project (formerly Judy Dworin Performance Project) in the Bridging Boundaries program, working with at-risk populations, speaks volumes about her dedication to dance as a tool for positive social change and personal empowerment. This deep commitment to the broader impact of dance is woven into the fabric of her studio.

The testimonials from long-time students and new families alike consistently highlight the transformative power of the Lisa Matias Dance Centre. It's a place where children, siblings, nieces, and nephews return year after year, testament to the warm, family-like environment and the genuine love for dance that Ms. Matias and her instructors instill. For anyone in Connecticut seeking a dance home where joy, personal growth, and artistic learning go hand-in-hand, this studio is an unparalleled choice.

The Lisa Matias Dance Centre is conveniently located at 635 New Park Ave #2j, West Hartford, CT 06110, USA. This accessible location in West Hartford makes it a central and easy-to-reach destination for families throughout the greater Hartford area, including West Hartford, Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Bloomfield, and Newington.

New Park Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation to the studio. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, simplifying drop-offs and pick-ups for busy parents. Its location within a vibrant commercial area also means there might be other amenities nearby, adding to the convenience for families. This prime positioning allows the Lisa Matias Dance Centre to serve a broad community of eager dancers and provide a stress-free experience from the moment you arrive.

• Quality Dance Education for All Ages: The studio provides dance instruction for a wide range of age groups, including children, teens, and adults.
• Diverse Dance Styles: While specific class offerings may vary by season, typical dance styles taught at a comprehensive dance center like Lisa Matias Dance Centre often include:
  • Ballet: Foundational training for grace, technique, and strength.
  • Tap: Focus on rhythm, musicality, and percussive footwork.
  • Jazz: Energetic and expressive movements, often incorporating turns, leaps, and kicks.
  • Hip Hop: Contemporary and dynamic urban dance styles.
  • Lyrical/Contemporary: Blending elements of ballet and jazz with emotional expression.
• Developmentally Appropriate Classes: Classes are structured to encourage personal growth and are tailored to be appropriate for each age group and skill level.
• Connecticut Aerial Yoga: The center also hosts Connecticut Aerial Yoga, offering specialized classes in aerial arts, including Sling Open Studio and Adult Circus Classes (Beginner Sling Series, Level-Up Sling Drop-In, L2 Sling Drop-In). This provides a unique fitness and movement option.
• Workshops and Special Events: The studio may offer various workshops (e.g., Hula Hoop Fitness) and open studio sessions throughout the year, enriching the learning experience.
• Annual Recitals/Showcases: Providing students with opportunities to perform and showcase their learned routines, fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The 2025 Student Showcase is already scheduled, highlighting performance opportunities.

• Long-Standing Reputation: With over 40 years of providing quality dance education, the Lisa Matias Dance Centre has a proven track record and deep roots within the West Hartford community.
• Family-Like and Supportive Atmosphere: A consistent highlight from reviews is the "amazing" and "fun loving environment" where students and families feel like part of a larger community. The studio is known for its incredible support.
• Non-Competitive Focus: A key differentiator is the non-competitive atmosphere, which allows students to enjoy learning and focus on personal growth without external pressure. Students are never made to feel inferior.
• Emphasis on Enjoyment and Comfort: The studio's philosophy prioritizes students "enjoying you, and being comfortable about yourself, having fun and all while learning the art of dance." This builds true confidence.
• High-Quality Instruction: Under Lisa Matias's guidance, even students with "very little experience" can blossom into "graceful and accomplished dancer(s)," demonstrating the effectiveness of the teaching methods and care provided.
• Veteran Leadership: Lisa Matias's extensive experience as a dancer, educator, and community advocate, including her long tenure at Trinity College and work with justice-focused dance projects, enriches the studio's offerings and philosophy.
• Inclusive Environment: The studio welcomes all students, regardless of their starting point, ensuring everyone feels valued and inspired to meet their full potential.
• Variety Beyond Traditional Dance: The inclusion of Connecticut Aerial Yoga provides unique opportunities for alternative movement and fitness, appealing to a broader range of interests.

To learn more about the Lisa Matias Dance Centre, their class schedules, enrollment options, or the Connecticut Aerial Yoga programs, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 635 New Park Ave #2j, West Hartford, CT 06110, USA

Phone: (860) 569-2205

Mobile Phone: +1 860-569-2205

Email: LisaMatiasDance@gmail.com

Website: https://lisamatiasdancecentre.com/

For families and individuals across Connecticut, particularly those in West Hartford and the surrounding communities, the Lisa Matias Dance Centre offers an exceptional and highly suitable choice for dance education and movement. Its decades-long commitment to fostering a love for dance in a fun, loving, and non-competitive environment makes it a truly unique and valuable local asset.

The consistent testimonials from students who have been with the center for 30 years, alongside those of new families witnessing remarkable transformations, speak volumes about the studio's profound impact. It's a place where children who start with "very little experience" can, under Lisa's "instruction and care," blossom into "graceful and accomplished dancer(s)," never feeling out of place.

Beyond traditional dance, the inclusion of Connecticut Aerial Yoga diversifies the offerings, catering to a wider range of interests in movement and fitness. Lisa Matias's extensive experience as an educator and her commitment to community through dance-based projects further instill confidence in the center's mission and quality. For any Connecticut resident seeking a dance studio where enjoyment, self-comfort, personal growth, and artistic learning are paramount, the Lisa Matias Dance Centre is an outstanding and highly recommended destination right in our community.

Lisa Matias Dance Centre

635 New Park Ave #2j, West Hartford, CT 06110, USA