best dance programs in Melrose, MA

Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

In 1994, a group of Melrose residents with a passion for the arts decided to bring the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, to the North Shore. After a year of fundraising and forming a board of directors, they had raised enough money to pay for the beautiful costumes and scenery that make ballet productions so special. Since 1995, Melrose Youth Ballet (MYB) has made The Nutcracker an annual tradition. The production is staged annually at Melrose Memorial Hall and stars hundreds of dancers from 19 nearby communities and 33 different dance studios. Through the years, MYB has been fortunate to have many talented Artistic Directors. Denise Cecere led the production in 1995, followed by Terry Fox in 1996, Tamlyn Bernhausen in 1997-1998, Jaclyn Cronsberg in 1999, Alfonso Figuera in 2000-2001, Katie Pesce in 2002-2004, and Jaclyn Cappozzi Demianiuk and Christina Leonard-Kristan as Associated Director in 2005-2015. Travers King and Andrea Fanikos have been co-Artistic Directing since 2017. MYB is proud of its many talented Artistic Directors and looks forward to continuing the tradition of The Nutcracker for many years to come.

As a parent of a young dancer, you want your child to have the best possible experience when it comes to learning the art of dance. Our dance year runs from September to June, allowing your child to be immersed in a challenging yet rewarding world. We emphasize development of coordination, poise, perception, self-esteem, and physical & mental discipline in a fun and inclusive environment. We understand that cost is an important factor when it comes to enrolling your child in any activity. That’s why we strive to make our dance classes accessible and affordable for all. With our quality dance education, your child will build a special connection with the art of dance that will stay with them for a lifetime.

At CSDS, their goal is to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. They strive to create a safe and creative atmosphere for all students of any age, ability, and background to express themselves through dance. Through their approach, they promote a love for the art of dance, music, history, and the arts. The studios at CSDS are top-notch; they have two large-studios with Marley floors, high ceilings, and full-length mirrors. The space is kept clean and organized, making it a great place to practice and learn. The staff at CSDS is well-trained in their craft and dedicated to providing the best possible experience for their students. They are passionate about helping students find joy in their craft and fostering a love for the art of dance.

At the Dance Gallery, we understand our students. We recognize that not everyone who loves to dance wants to make a career out of it. That’s why we offer recreational programs as well as those designed for the serious dancer. We have a wide range of classes for all ages, from toddlers to adults, and for all levels, from beginner to professional. Our school has been around for 46 years, making us one of the oldest dance schools in the area. Under the artistic direction of Susan Tocco Catricala, we provide a variety of classes that suit the needs of both serious and recreational dancers. Our convenient location and schedule options make it easy for busy families to attend classes. We’re proud to have a street-front location with plenty of parking in the rear and access to historic Corinthian Hall upstairs. We’re always adding new programs throughout the dance season, so make sure to check back often!

At Melrose Dance Academy, we’re committed to providing an enjoyable and safe atmosphere for dancers of all ages. We strive to create a supportive, family-friendly environment, full of respect and appreciation for our students, their families, our teachers, and our neighbors. We offer a wide range of classes from pre-school to young-adult, and our experienced instructors take great pride in delivering world-class dance education. Our students benefit from improved coordination, fitness, musicality, and confidence, while also learning valuable life skills such as commitment and teamwork. We aim to create lasting friendships and memories through our classes, and we’re dedicated to fulfilling that mission every day.

Our Dance Academy offers classes for all levels, starting with pre-school and ending with professional. Our students can choose from a wide selection of classes including ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop and contemporary. The Director of our Academy, Kathryne Beagan, has over 20 years of experience in the dance industry. She is passionate about instilling a love of dance in our students and helping them reach their full potential. With her vast knowledge and expertise, she is able to create a safe and positive learning environment for all of our students. At the Melrose Dance Academy, we strive to provide a nurturing and inspiring atmosphere that allows our students to explore the joys of dance. Our experienced and dedicated staff are here to help our students reach their goals and become the best dancer they can be.

At Little Elephant, we strive to create an environment that reflects our belief in the power of the child. We support the idea of children as capable, competent and integral members of their community. We recognize the importance of each family and understand that each one is unique and deserves respect. We believe that learning through exploration, experimentation and questioning are the best way to foster positive social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. We strive to create an environment that reflects this philosophy and encourages children to reach their full potential.

Little Sprouts Melrose offers a variety of enriching activities and experiences to bring out the best in each of their students. From yoga and music to science and art, the program at Little Sprouts has something for every child. For families and neighboring communities looking for a superior early education program, Little Sprouts Melrose is the ideal choice. With its bright, sun-drenched classrooms and intentional design, your child is sure to become inspired by the learning and discovery opportunities that abound. Moreover, the passionate educators at Little Sprouts Melrose are dedicated to fostering each child’s social, emotional, physical, and academic growth through a variety of enriching activities and experiences. With its stimulating environment and dedicated staff, Little Sprouts Melrose is sure to offer your child the perfect environment for play, laughter and growth.

At MYB, we believe that dance is an incredible gift and are proud to provide a platform for dancers to come together and celebrate the art form. We are committed to providing an engaging, enriching experience for all of our performers, from the novice to the professional. Our mission is to nurture each individual dancer's growth and to foster a love of dance. We strive to create a supportive, safe environment for all of our participants, and to provide an opportunity for all to express themselves through movement. We are passionate about inspiring a new generation of dancers and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore the beauty of ballet. Our programming is designed to help dancers build confidence, gain performance experience, and grow as artists. We are dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience to our dancers that will stay with them for a lifetime.