Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Somerville, MA
Mary Flynn Murphy Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Somerville, MA for over 60 years. Founded in 1963 by Mary Flynn Murphy, our studio provides comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary styles for students aged 18 months to adults. Our experienced faculty, including third-generation instructors, combines technical excellence with a nurturing environment to foster both artistic growth and personal development. We offer recreational and competitive programs, summer camps, and specialized classes for young children, emphasizing creativity, discipline, and community. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to individual attention, we cultivate a supportive 'dance family' atmosphere where students build lifelong friendships and confidence.Our alumni have pursued successful careers in dance education, performance, and related fields, with many earning scholarships to prestigious institutions. We maintain rigorous safety standards in acrobatic training and provide performance opportunities through annual productions and competitions. Our flexible scheduling accommodates various skill levels, from introductory classes to advanced technique training. As a locally owned business, we prioritize community engagement through outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations. Our proven teaching methodology has earned recognition for choreography excellence and student achievements at regional and national levels.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop
Tap Instruction
Tumbling
Summer Camps
Wiggle Worms
Competitive Teams
Adult Classes
Acrobatic Training
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of proven dance education expertise in Somerville
- Our faculty includes third-generation instructors and competition award winners
- We provide individualized attention in state-of-the-art dance facilities
- Our curriculum combines technical excellence with creative expression
- We maintain a safe, supportive 'dance family' environment for all students
What people say
Amazing instructors
Supportive environment
Excellent training
Lifelong friendships
Creative classes
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through progressive training in barre exercises, center floor work, and classical terminology. Students learn proper body alignment, musicality, and artistic expression while building strength and flexibility. The curriculum prepares dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional opportunities.
Jazz Dance
Jazz classes combine technical training with dynamic choreography set to contemporary and Broadway music. Students develop isolations, turns, and leaps while learning to express themselves through diverse jazz styles. Classes emphasize performance quality and musical interpretation for all skill levels.
Tumbling
Certified instructors teach safe acrobatic techniques including cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials. The program builds strength, flexibility, and confidence through progressive skill development. Classes use proper spotting techniques and conditioning exercises to ensure student safety while mastering challenging acro moves.
Summer Camps
Themed summer camps combine dance training with creative activities for children aged 3+. Daily schedules include technique classes, choreography sessions, and themed crafts or games. Camps offer both half-day and full-week options with performance opportunities and social activities for various age groups.
Wiggle Worms
Specialized dance classes for children 18 months to 3 years old with caregiver participation. Sessions use props and playful activities to develop motor skills, rhythm, and social interaction. Each class includes a craft project and structured playtime to introduce basic dance concepts in a fun environment.
People
Sharon Parillo
Owner/Artistic Director
Sharon has directed MFM Dance Studio since 2000, continuing her mother's legacy. With 25+ years teaching experience, she trained at Boston School of Ballet and performed with Boston Ballet's Nutcracker. She specializes in competitive choreography and has earned national recognition for student achievements.
Danielle McCabe
Co-Director/Business Manager
Third-generation instructor Danielle teaches competition-level dance and choreography. With 12+ years teaching experience, she specializes in youth programs and has won multiple awards for choreography excellence. She manages studio operations and student development programs.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and acrobatic dance classes for students aged 18 months to adults.
Are there classes for beginners?
Yes! We provide introductory classes for all ages starting at 18 months, with progressive levels from beginner to advanced dancers.
What should I wear to class?
Specific attire requirements vary by class type. Basic requirements include leotards, tights, and appropriate dance shoes for structured classes.
Do you have competitive teams?
Yes, we offer competitive dance teams with specialized training in jazz, tap, and contemporary styles for dedicated students.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual recitals, competition events, and special performances throughout the year.
Reviews (5)
Lizzy M.
Jul 04, 2020
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I dance here and I have been dancing here my whole life. I am on the competition team and it is like a family most amazing place
Tony P.
Aug 20, 2019
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My daughter takes classes here. She loves it. The teachers are great and very caring. I would definitely suggest this for anyone looking for a good dance school.
Sara F.
Aug 16, 2019
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This family owned dance studio has been our daughter's second home since she transferred from another studio to compete when she was 6 years old. Their amazing teachers have become her second family. Great nurturing and caring atmosphere. Hard working competition teams have won several overall awards over the years in our Regional competitions. Classes for girls, boys and adults! Come check our studio!
Linda
Jul 15, 2017
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Excellent teachers, great recital and competitions! Tried a few studios, my daughter says this one is the best by far! We love it here.
Tasneem A.
Nov 18, 2016
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Never heard back for my inquiry for several weeks and when I finally got an email it was simply one line stating the timing of the wrong class - not even a hello or anything. Simply rude
