The Dance Hall

For residents across Maine, particularly those nestled in the charming seacoast town of Kittery and its surrounding communities, discovering a true cultural cornerstone is a delight. The Dance Hall, located in downtown Kittery, stands as an exceptional and vibrant point of interest, renowned for being a friendly and intimate spot to experience a wide variety of music, dance, and theater offerings. Since its founding in 2010 by dancer and producer Drika Overton, this not-for-profit arts and educational organization has been dedicated to enriching our local community by promoting, advancing, and sponsoring diverse artistic endeavors.

The Dance Hall is much more than just an event space; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of community and the arts. Housed in a historic 1928 Grange Hall, the venue itself exudes an authentic, vintage vibe, complete with original maplewood flooring and wonderful acoustics. This unique setting enhances every performance, making each visit a memorable experience. As one local enthusiast shared, it's "such a nice and friendly spot to see and hear a variety of music, dance and theater offerings. How lucky were we to hear a folk group from Scotland, North Sea Gas, sing and enjoy their repertoire of Scottish music as they played on acoustic instruments and sang. The admission fee is very reasonable and refreshments are offered." This testimonial perfectly captures the essence of The Dance Hall: a place for discovery, affordability, and enjoyment.

The sentiment that "The Kittery Dance Hall is a gift to the community" is widely echoed. It consistently brings in "amazing artists from nearby and far afield," ensuring that our local Maine residents have access to high-caliber performances without having to travel extensively. The commitment to being "affordable and friendly" makes it accessible to a broad audience, truly embodying its mission to provide "affordable, accessible, participatory, and intergenerational performing arts opportunities." This inclusive atmosphere is a major draw, allowing "Everyone feels welcome. Easy to start conversations with next seat mates. People feel and are safe here." This welcoming environment fosters genuine connections, turning strangers into friendly acquaintances over shared artistic experiences.

The Dance Hall's programming is intentionally diverse, reflecting its mission to promote culturally rich events. From jazz and folk music to various forms of dance, documentary screenings, and theatrical plays, there is always something unique and engaging on the calendar. This eclectic mix ensures that whether you're a long-time aficionado or new to the performing arts, you'll find something to captivate your interest. The fact that its purpose for many coming to Kittery is specifically "the Dance Hall" speaks volumes about its magnetic appeal and its role as a cultural anchor in the town.

Beyond its programmed events, The Dance Hall also serves as a versatile rental venue for community and private functions, further solidifying its role as a vital community asset. Its flexible space, complete with a stage, high ceilings, adjustable lighting, and a full PA system, can accommodate a variety of gatherings, making it a go-to spot for local organizations and individuals planning events. This dual function as both a performance venue and a rental space makes it an indispensable part of Kittery's vibrant social and cultural fabric.

The Dance Hall is ideally situated in the heart of downtown Kittery, Maine, making it a central and easily accessible point of interest for residents throughout southern Maine and the Seacoast region. You'll find this beloved event venue at:

7 Walker St, Kittery, ME 03904, USA

Its location on Walker Street, within the charming Kittery Foreside area, ensures convenience for local patrons. The Foreside itself is a burgeoning district, boasting "so many fun places to see and to eat," including the nearby Kittery Art Association location, making a visit to The Dance Hall part of a larger, enjoyable outing. For Maine residents, this central and pedestrian-friendly location simplifies travel and enhances the overall experience, fostering consistent community engagement with the arts.

• Hosting diverse live performances including music (folk, jazz, blues, indie, world, traditional, etc.), dance (flamenco, percussive dance, swing, tap, etc.), and theater offerings.
• Presenting documentary and other film screenings.
• Organizing workshops and educational programs in various artistic disciplines.
• Hosting community events, open houses, and fundraisers.
• Providing an intimate venue for artist residencies.
• Offering a space for rental for private events, meetings, and functions (capacity up to 200).
• Providing refreshments during events.
• Engaging audiences of all ages, from kids' programs to adult performances.
• Encouraging audience participation, often inviting guests to utilize the maplewood dance floor.

• Diverse Programming: Offers a wide and eclectic range of music, dance, and theater, appealing to varied tastes and fostering cultural appreciation.
• Intimate Venue: Known as the Seacoast's premier spot for intimate performances, allowing for close engagement with artists.
• Historic Location: Housed in a charming 1928 Grange Hall, providing an authentic, vintage vibe with excellent acoustics.
• Affordable & Accessible: Committed to providing affordable ticket prices and welcoming all community members, ensuring broad access to the arts.
• Community Hub: Fosters a friendly, safe, and welcoming atmosphere where conversation flows easily and everyone feels at home.
• Non-Profit Organization: Operates as a 501(c)3 dedicated to arts outreach, entertainment, and education for the community.
• Flexible Space: Features a stage, high ceilings, original maple flooring, adjustable lighting, and a full PA system, suitable for various events.
• Focus on Education & Inspiration: Mission is to inspire, educate, and connect audiences through live performances and community projects.
• Local Gem: Consistently praised by locals as a "gift to the community" and a charming experience north of Boston.

Address: 7 Walker St, Kittery, ME 03904, USA

While a direct phone number for general inquiries isn't prominently listed, The Dance Hall's website typically provides contact forms or email addresses for inquiries regarding events and rentals. For the most up-to-date contact methods, please visit their official website.

For residents of Maine, particularly those in Kittery and the surrounding Seacoast area, The Dance Hall stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished local point of interest. Its prime location in downtown Kittery's vibrant Foreside ensures excellent accessibility, making it incredibly convenient for local patrons to attend a diverse array of cultural events without the burden of long commutes. This accessibility means that high-quality artistic experiences are readily available right within our community, enriching our local lives.

What truly makes The Dance Hall ideal for locals is its profound commitment to affordability, inclusivity, and community building. As a non-profit organization, it prioritizes making the arts accessible to everyone, ensuring that a "very reasonable admission fee" allows broad participation. The consistent praise for its "nice and friendly spot," where "Everyone feels welcome" and it's "easy to start conversations with next seat mates," speaks volumes about the warm and inviting atmosphere. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and truly transforms attendees into a connected community, which is invaluable in our close-knit Maine towns.

Furthermore, the curated and diverse programming, ranging from international folk groups to local jazz festivals and theatrical performances, ensures there's always something fresh and exciting to experience. This variety caters to diverse tastes and continuously inspires local audiences, cementing The Dance Hall's role as a vital cultural anchor. For any Maine resident seeking an intimate, affordable, and deeply welcoming venue to experience captivating live music, dance, and theater, while simultaneously supporting a valuable community institution, The Dance Hall in Kittery is an unparalleled local gem. It's a place where art comes alive, and community thrives, right on our doorstep.

The Dance Hall

7 Walker St, Kittery, ME 03904, USA