best dance programs in Melrose, MA

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

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.