The Dance Place

Hello, Massachusetts residents! Are you looking for a place where creativity, movement, and community beautifully intertwine? Whether you have a child eager to take their first dance steps or you, as an adult, are seeking a fun way to stay active, express yourself, and connect with others, The Dance Place in Newburyport is an exceptional local destination. Since 1984, this esteemed studio has been a cornerstone of the Newburyport arts community, offering comprehensive dance training in a friendly, non-competitive environment for all ages and skill levels.

The Dance Place, nestled conveniently within the Tannery Marketplace, understands that dance is about more than just technique; it's about fostering a love for movement, building confidence, and creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. For parents in the North Shore region, finding a dance school that prioritizes a nurturing approach over intense competition can be a breath of fresh air. Here, the focus is on the creative process, imagination, growth, and building confidence, ensuring that young dancers learn and explore without undue pressure. As one delighted parent shared, "My daughter loves Julie and she is so patient and such a good teacher." This speaks volumes about the quality and care instilled by the instructors.

But The Dance Place isn't just for kids! It also boasts a robust and equally welcoming program for adults, offering a fantastic opportunity for locals to stay in shape, learn new skills, and "blow off some steam." The flexibility of their adult classes, including drop-in options and class cards for better rates, makes it incredibly convenient for busy schedules. From ballet to hip hop, modern, and even Zumba, there's a style for every interest, all taught by "knowledgeable and experienced teachers hold a loving and welcoming space for all." The Dance Place truly embodies its philosophy: "Come treat yourself to the joy of dance; good for the mind, body and soul!"

The Dance Place is strategically located at 50 Water St # 34, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA, situated within the charming and vibrant Tannery Marketplace. This location offers exceptional accessibility for residents of Newburyport and surrounding communities across the North Shore of Massachusetts, including Salisbury, Amesbury, West Newbury, and Plum Island. Being part of the Tannery Marketplace means convenient amenities are often nearby, such as the Chococoa bakery, where parents can grab a coffee while their children dance. A significant advantage highlighted by customers is the general ease of parking within the Tannery Marketplace, eliminating a common urban concern. Water Street itself is a central artery in Newburyport, making the studio straightforward to locate. Its presence within a bustling marketplace also contributes to a lively and engaging atmosphere, offering more than just a dance class but an overall pleasant experience in a picturesque New England town.

• Dance Training for All Levels and Ages: Since 1984, The Dance Place has offered dance training for students starting at age 3, through youth, and into adulthood.
• Diverse Dance Styles: A wide array of styles are taught, including:
  • Ballet (classical technique, barre, center work, pointe classes for eligible students)
  • Jazz (focus on proper technique, isolations, rhythms, and patterns, blending ballet with traditional jazz movement)
  • Modern (unique free-flowing form emphasizing emotions and moods, utilizing gravity, and exploring different techniques like Limon, Graham, Cunningham, Horton)
  • Tap (develops musicality and rhythm through percussive footwork)
  • Contemporary/Lyrical (combines jazz, ballet, and modern, focusing on expression, storytelling, jumps, turns, and improvisation)
  • Hip-Hop (high-energy, infusing street styles, breaking, popping, locking; encourages personal style)
  • Creative Movement (for younger dancers, using imaginative music and games to explore basic steps and terminology)
  • Zumba (fitness-oriented dance classes)
  • African Dance
  • Barre (workout incorporating ballet principles)
  • Aerial Silks
• Flexible Enrollment Options: Offers both full-season payment options and convenient drop-in classes, particularly for adult programs and kids' summer classes.
• Recitals and Performances: Provides opportunities for students to perform in recitals at local theaters, focusing on artistic process rather than intense competition.
• Joppa Dance Company: Home to the non-competitive, non-profit Joppa Dance Company (a 501c3 youth troupe established in 1983), which offers additional performance opportunities, master classes, and the chance for dancers to choreograph their own pieces. Joppa dancers commit to weekly ballet and company classes and have traveled internationally for performances.
• Private Lessons: Available for personalized instruction.
• Non-Competitive Environment: Emphasizes a nurturing atmosphere where creativity, imagination, and growth are prioritized over competitive outcomes.
• Year-Round Classes: Offers ongoing classes throughout the year for adults, and a full fall season for youth, with summer options as well.

• Long-Standing Reputation: Established in 1984, The Dance Place has a rich history and has "excelled in dance training for all levels and ages" for decades, indicating a deep commitment to the community.
• Friendly, Non-Competitive Environment: A recurring highlight is the studio's nurturing philosophy, which allows dancers to explore and grow "free of parents" and without the pressure of intense competition, fostering a genuine love for dance. This is particularly appealing to parents looking for a positive experience for their children.
• Excellent and Patient Teachers: Instructors like "Julie" are specifically praised for being "so patient and such a good teacher," ensuring a supportive and effective learning experience for all students.
• Diverse Class Offerings for All Ages: From creative movement for preschoolers to advanced ballet, hip hop, modern, Zumba, and even aerial silks for adults, the wide array of styles and levels truly caters to the entire community.
• Flexible Adult Class Options: The ability to "drop in anytime" for adult classes and purchase class cards for better rates is a major convenience for busy Massachusetts adults, making it easy to integrate dance into their fitness and recreational routines.
• Transparent Observation: The "window into the room so you can watch the class with a coffee from the Chococoa bakery while still giving the kids space to explore free of parents" is a thoughtful amenity that parents appreciate.
• Quality Facilities: The mention of "nice wooden floors" and "great recitals at the local theater" suggests a commitment to providing a professional and inspiring environment for dance.
• Joppa Dance Company: The presence of a non-competitive youth performance company provides advanced students with unique opportunities for artistic development, choreography, and even international travel.
• Community Involvement: As a member of the Newburyport Arts Collective, The Dance Place is integrated into the wider local arts scene, advocating for and promoting cultural events.

For Massachusetts locals in Newburyport and the surrounding North Shore communities eager to experience the joy of dance at The Dance Place, connecting with them is easy. You can reach the studio directly via phone at (978) 465-1485. For those preferring to use a mobile device or dialing from outside the immediate area, the mobile phone number is also provided as +1 978-465-1485. The physical address for The Dance Place is 50 Water St # 34, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA, located within the Tannery Marketplace. For the most comprehensive information, including detailed class schedules, registration forms, tuition rates, and specifics about their various programs (including Joppa Dance Company), visiting their official website is highly recommended. You can typically find it by searching for "The Dance Place Newburyport" online. Don't hesitate to reach out and discover the perfect class for you or your aspiring dancer!

For families and individuals throughout Massachusetts, especially those in Newburyport and the broader North Shore region, The Dance Place stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local destination for dance education and enrichment. Its suitability for locals is deeply embedded in its long-standing commitment to the community, its diverse offerings, and its unique, nurturing philosophy. Firstly, The Dance Place has been serving the area since 1984, building a trusted reputation as a "fun and engaging children's dance school" and a welcoming space for adults. This longevity speaks to its consistent quality and positive impact on generations of local dancers, making it a familiar and reliable choice for community members.

Secondly, the studio’s "non-competitive environment" is a significant draw for many Massachusetts families. In a world often driven by intense competition, The Dance Place offers a refreshing alternative where the emphasis is firmly on "the process, creativity, imagination, growth & building confidence." This approach ensures that young dancers develop a genuine love for movement without unnecessary pressure, and adult dancers feel comfortable exploring new styles or re-engaging with old passions. The wide array of classes, from ballet and hip hop to modern, Zumba, and African dance, caters to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring that every local can find a style that resonates with them.

Finally, the convenient location within the Tannery Marketplace, with ample parking and thoughtful amenities like the viewing window and nearby bakery, enhances its accessibility and appeal. For busy Massachusetts families, a dance studio that is easy to access and offers a comfortable waiting area is a huge plus. The flexibility of drop-in classes for adults further solidifies its suitability for busy schedules. Voted #1 year after year in local "BEST OF" awards, The Dance Place truly embodies a beloved local institution, providing a vibrant, supportive, and accessible hub for dance that enriches the lives of all who participate in the Newburyport community.

The Dance Place

50 Water St # 34, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA