Scarborough Dance Center

Welcome to Scarborough Dance Center, a cherished local institution dedicated to the art and joy of dance in Scarborough, Maine. For decades, this center has been a cornerstone of the community, fostering a love for movement, self-expression, and discipline in dancers of all ages. Whether you're a parent looking for a welcoming and professional environment for your child's first dance steps, or an adult seeking to rediscover a passion for movement, Scarborough Dance Center offers a vibrant and inclusive space where everyone can thrive. They pride themselves on providing quality instruction that blends technical excellence with a fun, nurturing atmosphere, ensuring every student leaves feeling inspired and confident.

Scarborough Dance Center is committed to building not just skilled dancers, but also confident, self-assured individuals. They understand the profound impact that dance can have on personal growth, from enhancing physical coordination and strength to fostering creativity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Their dedicated team of instructors is passionate about sharing their expertise and guiding students through every stage of their dance journey, making it a truly rewarding experience for all who walk through their doors.

Scarborough Dance Center is conveniently located at 26 Oak Hill Terrace, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA. This easily accessible location in the heart of Scarborough makes it a convenient destination for families throughout the Greater Portland area and beyond. Situated directly behind the McDonald's off Route 1, their entrance faces the Scarborough Car Wash, making it simple to find for both local residents and those commuting from neighboring towns. The center offers ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure for students and parents alike. Its central location also means it's within easy reach of local amenities, allowing parents to run errands or grab a coffee while their children are in class.

Scarborough Dance Center offers a comprehensive array of dance programs designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests. Their commitment to diverse offerings ensures that every dancer can find their rhythm and reach their full potential.

• Ballet/Pointe: The foundational dance form, emphasizing grace, self-expression, proper body placement, and control. They teach a combination of Vaganova and RAD styles, with older students introduced to Balanchine. Highly recommended for all dancers as it is the technical backbone for all genres.

• Tap: Focuses on timing and developing rhythms, using the feet as an instrument. Classes cover both classical tap and newer rhythm tap styles, great for developing musicality.

• Jazz: A dynamic blend of theater, ballet, and modern dance, teaching technique in pirouettes, traveling steps, leaps, and core body movement, while also enhancing flexibility, endurance, and strength. Ballet background is strongly recommended.

• Hip Hop: High-energy classes incorporating the newest moves in street dancing and music video styles, providing an excellent aerobic workout.

• Lyrical: An expressive dance style, an offspring of ballet, conveying messages and emotions through fluid, controlled movement. Focuses on core work and requires a ballet background.

• Contemporary: Rooted in ballet but involving more self-expression and off-centered movements. Emphasizes body control, connecting movements, and body lines. Requires a ballet background.

• Acro/Tumbling: Great for strength, conditioning, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control. Students learn skills such as bridges, rolls, handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, aerials, and more, taught safely by certified staff.

• Creative Movement: For younger dancers (typically ages 2.5-4), introducing them to the joy of movement, music, and basic dance concepts in a playful and engaging environment.

• Competition Training: For more serious dancers seeking advanced training and performance opportunities in competitive settings.

• Performance Teams: Opportunities for dancers who desire more performance experience without the commitment level of the full competition company.

• Recreational Classes: Open to all, allowing students to participate in the annual recital and enjoy dance in a less intensive setting.

• Pilates:

• Irish Dance:

• Ballroom:

• Belly Dancing:

Scarborough Dance Center distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its outstanding reputation in the Maine dance community.

• Experienced and Dedicated Faculty: The center boasts a team of highly experienced dancers and teachers who are not only skilled in their craft but also exceptional with children. Instructors continuously pursue professional development by attending workshops and conventions, ensuring they are updated with cutting-edge choreography and teaching techniques. Many are performing dancers themselves.

• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Scarborough Dance Center is renowned for its positive, fun, and inclusive atmosphere. They prioritize making every student feel loved and respected, and instructors go out of their way to ensure a welcoming space where dancers feel comfortable to express themselves and take risks.

• Commitment to Technique: While fostering a joyful learning environment, the center places a strong emphasis on proper technique. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality dance education that focuses on artistic development and personal growth, ensuring students build a strong foundation.

• Individualized Attention: The studio strives to maintain appropriate class sizes to ensure students receive individualized attention, a crucial factor in effective dance education and personal development.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: With a wide range of dance styles offered, from classical ballet to energetic hip hop and unique styles like Irish and ballroom, students have diverse options to explore and expand their dance vocabulary.

• Performance Opportunities: Students have various opportunities to showcase their talents, including an annual recital for all recreational classes and competitive performances for company and performance team members.

• Organizational Excellence: The center prides itself on being highly organized, keeping parents informed through newsletters, calendars, recital packets, bulletin boards, email, and their website. This meticulous planning is greatly appreciated by busy families.

• Award-Winning Recognition: Scarborough Dance Center has received notable accolades, including being named "Best Dance Studio in the State of Maine" by Dancer Magazine (2009) and the owner, Melissa Willey, being selected as "Business Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Professional and Executive Women (2008). They have also earned numerous top awards for technique, choreography, and age-appropriate dancing in competitions.

For inquiries or to learn more about classes and registration, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 26 Oak Hill Terrace, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA

• Phone: (207) 883-4569

• Mobile Phone: +1 207-883-4569

The studio also maintains in-studio office hours during the school year, typically Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons, for in-person assistance. For specific inquiries to the owner/director, Melissa Willey, email info@scarboroughdancecenter.com. For billing questions and shoe orders, please email Alisa at scarbdanceinfo@gmail.com.

For locals in Maine, Scarborough Dance Center is more than just a dance studio; it's a vital community hub where art, education, and personal development converge. Its convenient location in Scarborough makes it easily accessible for families across the region, minimizing travel time and making it easier to integrate dance into busy schedules. The broad spectrum of classes, catering to everyone from toddlers taking their first steps to adults seeking a recreational outlet, means there's truly something for every age and interest within the family.

The center's long-standing reputation for quality instruction, coupled with its nurturing and inclusive environment, ensures that students not only receive excellent technical training but also develop crucial life skills such as confidence, discipline, teamwork, and self-expression. Parents consistently praise the professionalism and warmth of the staff, highlighting the positive impact the studio has on their children's overall well-being. For local families, Scarborough Dance Center provides a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where individuals can explore their passion for dance, make lasting friendships, and build a stronger connection to their local community through shared creative experiences. It’s a place where Mainers can truly embrace the joy of movement right in their own backyard.

Scarborough Dance Center

26 Oak Hill Terrace, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA