I started dance when I was 3 — and I still take classes and perform to this day. My kids are also both in dance classes. Dance is one of my true loves, the studio has always been my safe place, and I am so grateful for all the memories and friendships I’ve formed through my years in dance. Dance is a wonderful way for children — or anyone — to explore music, creativity, and movement!
If you’re considering registering your child for dance, check out these tips for choosing a studio. Then take a look at the list below of Merrimack Valley and northwest-of-Boston dance studios recommended by fellow moms!
- See if you can attend a performance of a studio you’re considering joining. You can learn a lot about a program from their shows.
- Ask if there is a trial class option or a short session (summer or semester) instead of committing to the full year. Some studios offer options that don’t require the full school-year commitment right away so you and your child can feel it out.
- Look into whether a recreational or competitive track is right for your family (right now). Your needs may change, especially if a passion emerges, but knowing what you’re seeking at the start helps.
- You are not married to a studio. You want to make sure they are meeting your needs as far as quality, schedule, price, and overall community. If you try it and it’s not a match, don’t write off dance completely. Instead, consider alternatives. My first studio was not for me — it was too intense and not fun. I knew I wanted to learn and perform, not compete. I found the right one shortly after and spent 15 years there.
Ready to register? Try one of these dance studios recommended by real Boston-area moms!
Acton/Boxborough
Acton Boxborough Dance Center is focused on creating a space for children to develop a love of dance. The studio believes dance is for everyone, and they aim to nurture dancers of any age and ability level.
Bedford
Bedford Dance Center provides a well-rounded dance program for students of all ages. I appreciate that they have developed values for their studio including positivity, respect, discipline, and love.
Billerica
Dancing Arts Academy wants to make learning dance a fun experience for all students, and this is one of the top studios in the area for preschool-age dance programs.
Burlington
Angel Dance is located in Burlington but has several other locations (Acton, Burlington, Framingham, Newton, Waltham). Angel Dance has more than 20 years in the industry and focuses on celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive environment where dancers thrive.
Chelmsford
The Dancing Center Unlimited knows that performing arts provides students skills they can use in various parts of the lives. Their program focuses on individual creativity and self-expression. They offer both recreational and competitive options for students as well as adult classes.
Concord
Setting the Barre Dance Academy is a small, personalized, artistic dance studio. They are proud of their trained and multi-focused professional teachers who can provide instruction in various modalities.
Dracut
5-6-7-8 Dance Studio is a welcoming community of dancers. Their studio is fully equipped, and they love to support students from beginner to advanced!
Lexington
The Dance Inn has been operating since 1983, offering dance programs for preschoolers through adults. Classes are available for recreational and pre-professional students and include tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary.
Littleton
L’ecole de Ballet, as its name suggests, is a studio focusing on a comprehensive classical ballet curriculum. If you are seeking a ballet focus, this is a great choice. This studio also offers classes in jazz, tap, and contemporary.
Lowell
Planet Dance offers both dance and fitness education. They aim to develop well-rounded students who are creative and expressive.
Maynard
Miss Tricia’s Dance Studio has phenomenally talented teachers who bring out the best in each dancer. Their teaching staff is able to pass on their experience and infuse their love of dancing to all of their students.
Tewksbury
Tricia’s Dance School truly wants a child and family’s first dance experience to be a positive one, regardless of what age they start. I think this is an important factor for families to consider. Their curriculum maintains age appropriateness, and the way they teach infuses healthy lifestyle choices to be applied outside of the classroom as well.
Tyngsboro
Centerstage Dance Academy believes dance is for everyone, and I love that! They have options for once a week or a more intensive program based on what your child or your family are interested in. There are a lot of great options to choose from.
Westford
Spotlight Dance Academy in Westford offers challenging and fun dance classes starting at age 3 up to adults. They even had an alumnus and teacher compete on season 16 of “So You Think You Can Dance!”
Wilmington
Wilmington Dance Academy is a fun atmosphere with a comprehensive dance curriculum. WDA offers programs for as young as preschool age and kindergarten, and they offer a specific boys hip hop-class as well. For older children, check out unique options like theatre dance, lyrical, and tumble/acro.
Woburn
Shine On Performing Arts Center offers ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and acrobatics — focusing on both recreational and competitive! They really have something for everyone from dance type and age to intensity levels.
