Tia Russell Dance Studio

For individuals and families in the Greater New Haven, Connecticut area, the Tia Russell Dance Studio (TRDS) is more than just a place to learn to dance; it's a vibrant community where passion meets professionalism, and where "every student is given the opportunity to shine and given the opportunity to excel." Located on Marne Street in Hamden, TRDS has quickly become a cornerstone of artistic development, known for its dynamic choreography, dedicated staff, and unforgettable performances.

Established in 2013 by co-owners Tia and James Brockington, TRDS has grown significantly, fostering a true "family-like atmosphere" that is consistently praised by its patrons. Tia and James, both New Haven natives, are deeply committed to advancing and exposing performing arts, particularly to inner-city youth and black and brown communities. Their vision for TRDS extends beyond dance steps; it’s about providing a safe, professional, and clean environment where students are not only nurtured but also disciplined, always encouraged to reach their personal best.

From tiny tots taking their first "Dance With Me" steps at 18 months old, to adults embracing new rhythms, TRDS offers a comprehensive range of dance styles. What makes this studio truly special, as noted by students who have gone on to professional dance careers, is its ability to become a "second home" and a "beautiful and pinnacle part of their journey." The emphasis on affordability, coupled with an unwavering standard of excellence, ensures that quality dance education is accessible to a broad spectrum of the community.

For those in Hamden, New Haven, Woodbridge, and surrounding Connecticut towns, the Tia Russell Dance Studio presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the beloved art of dance. It's a place where talent is honed, confidence is built, and "Developing Dancers, Creating Legends" is not just a motto, but a lived experience.

The Tia Russell Dance Studio (TRDS) is conveniently located at 35 Marne St, Hamden, CT 06514, USA. This address places the studio in a highly accessible part of Hamden, just off Dixwell Avenue, a major artery that connects Hamden with New Haven and other surrounding towns in the Greater New Haven Area. This prime location ensures excellent accessibility for students and families commuting from various communities, including New Haven, Woodbridge, North Haven, Bethany, and Cheshire.

Being situated on Marne Street, close to a main road like Dixwell Avenue, makes the studio straightforward to find and navigate to. This ease of access is a significant benefit for busy parents during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as for adult students. The studio's recent move to this Hamden location was strategic, aiming to provide more studio space, enhanced costume storage, and improved parking facilities, all contributing to a smoother and more professional experience for its members. The facility boasts four dance studios with sprung floors and specialized equipment like portable bars and acro mats.

The thoughtful layout includes dedicated spaces for younger students and amenities like an expanded shop with dance gear, a parent lounge, and plans for a refreshment bar and a multi-purpose art studio. This comprehensive facility ensures a comfortable and well-equipped environment for all who enter its doors, further solidifying its role as a central hub for dance education in the Connecticut region.

• Diverse Dance Styles: TRDS offers a wide array of dance genres, ensuring something for every interest and skill level. Styles include:
  • Ballet (mandatory for all students under 18, as it's considered the foundation of dance)
  • Pointe (advanced ballet technique)
  • Jazz (fast-paced, energetic, rhythmic, focusing on isolations and emotional expression)
  • West African (active, uses total body articulation, fancy footwork, jumps, and intricate head/body movements)
  • Hip Hop (popular and dynamic street dance)
  • Tap (focuses on rhythm, musicality, and timing)
  • Modern (technique-based, designed to improve physical limitations)
  • Lyrical (fusion of ballet and jazz with individual expression)
  • Acro Dance (combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements)
• Classes for All Ages and Experience Levels: TRDS welcomes new and experienced students from as young as 18 months through adulthood. Classes are divided by levels, ability, and maturity to ensure individualized attention.
  • Preschool Classes (18 months - 4 years, including "Dance With Me" for 18 months-2.5 years, fostering bonding between young performers and parents)
  • Classes for ages 8 and under often feature themed weeks and fun activities, promoting learning through play.
• Professional Dance Education: The primary focus is to expose and educate students from various backgrounds to a professional dance education.
• Performing Arts Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio engages students in leadership training, social skills, and life skills through weekly classes and monthly group meetings ("Girl Chat").
• Exceptional Performances and Productions: TRDS is renowned for its "jaw-dropping performances," "phenomenal" shows, and "dynamic choreography," ensuring every student has the opportunity to shine on stage. Shows are known for starting on time and being no longer than 90 minutes.
• Individualized Attention: Each student receives the necessary attention to grow and develop at their individual pace, without pressure or intimidation.
• Community Engagement: The studio is committed to advancing and exposing performing arts to inner-city youth and black and brown communities.

• Family-Like Atmosphere: Repeatedly praised by customers, the studio fosters a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment where students and their families feel like a close-knit community. Many refer to it as their "second home" and "dance family."
• Wonderful and Professional Owners (Tia and James Brockington): The co-owners are highly regarded for their kindness, professionalism, dedication, and genuine concern for the well-being and growth of their students. They are purpose-driven individuals with a passion for the performing arts.
• Exceptional and Versatile Teachers: Each teacher is recognized for being "amazing in their own way," providing high-quality instruction across diverse dance styles. They are committed to challenging students while also providing reassurance and guidance.
• Jaw-Dropping and Phenomenal Shows: TRDS is celebrated for its high-quality, entertaining, and professionally delivered performances. A unique highlight is that shows are concise (no longer than 90 minutes) and start on time, a major plus for audience members.
• Every Student Gets to Shine: The studio ensures that every student, regardless of their level or role, is given the opportunity to perform and excel, fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
• Affordability with Excellence: The studio maintains a standard of excellence while remaining affordable, making professional dance education accessible to a wider community.
• Nurturing and Disciplined Environment: TRDS successfully cultivates a balance between nurturing students' love for dance and instilling the discipline required for growth and success.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio emphasizes life skills, leadership training, and social development, helping students become well-rounded individuals.
• Black-Owned Business: As a proud black-owned business, TRDS fills a crucial need in the New Haven black and brown communities by providing professional arts education and opportunities.
• New State-of-the-Art Facility in Hamden: The new location on Marne Street offers four large studios with sprung floors, improved costume storage, a parent lounge, and planned additional amenities like a refreshment bar and a multi-purpose art studio.
• Commitment to Growth: The studio meets each student at their individual ability level, providing personalized attention without pressure or intimidation, allowing them to grow at their own pace.
• Strong Foundational Training (Ballet Mandatory): The emphasis on Ballet as a mandatory foundation for all students under 18 ensures strong technical skills across all dance styles.

For more information about class schedules, enrollment, special programs, or to simply learn more about the vibrant community at Tia Russell Dance Studio, please use the following contact details:

Address: 35 Marne St, Hamden, CT 06514, USA

Phone: (475) 365-3435

You can also typically find more current information and connect with them through their official website or social media channels.

For residents of Hamden, New Haven, and the wider Connecticut region, the Tia Russell Dance Studio (TRDS) is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its unique blend of professional excellence, community focus, and accessible offerings makes it a true asset to the local performing arts scene.

Firstly, the studio’s accessible location at 35 Marne St in Hamden, just off Dixwell Avenue, provides unparalleled convenience. This strategic placement ensures that families from across the Greater New Haven Area can easily reach the studio, benefiting from its state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple studios, ample space, and dedicated amenities like a parent lounge. This ease of access is a significant advantage for busy Connecticut families.

Secondly, what truly sets TRDS apart is its deeply ingrained "family-like atmosphere" and the profound dedication of its owners, Tia and James Brockington, and their entire staff. As glowing reviews attest, students not only receive top-tier dance instruction but also feel a profound sense of belonging and support. This nurturing environment, where every student is encouraged to "shine" and "excel," goes beyond mere technique, fostering confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. The emphasis on individual attention ensures that each dancer can progress at their own pace, free from intimidation.

Moreover, TRDS stands out for its commitment to providing affordable yet excellent dance education across a diverse range of styles—from foundational Ballet and West African to energetic Hip Hop and graceful Lyrical. This broad curriculum, coupled with a focus on holistic development that includes leadership training and life skills, ensures that students receive a well-rounded artistic and personal education. The studio's reputation for "phenomenal" and punctually delivered shows further enhances the experience, providing incredible performance opportunities for all students.

In essence, Tia Russell Dance Studio is more than just a local dance academy; it's a transformative community hub that empowers individuals through the art of dance. Its blend of accessible location, expert instruction, inclusive culture, and commitment to both artistic and personal growth makes it the ideal choice for any local family in Connecticut seeking a truly enriching and impactful dance experience.

Tia Russell Dance Studio

35 Marne St, Hamden, CT 06514, USA