Melrose Dance Academy

Business Details

Your Trusted Dance Academy in Melrose, MA

Melrose Dance Academy has been cultivating a passion for dance in students of all ages since its founding. Our mission extends beyond technical instructionwe aim to build confidence, foster community, and create lifelong memories through dance. With a team of experienced instructors, we offer a comprehensive curriculum spanning ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, and more, tailored to recreational and competitive dancers alike. Our performance teams have graced stages at iconic venues like Walt Disney World and Boston's TD Garden, while our annual recital provides a professional showcase for all students.

Recognized as #1 in Wicked Local's Readers Choice Awards, we maintain a family-friendly environment where every dancer receives personalized attention. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our partnership with CLI Studios, granting students access to industry-leading choreographers. Through structured programs for ages 2-18, we emphasize discipline, creativity, and the joy of movement, preparing students for potential dance careers while nurturing essential life skills like teamwork and perseverance.

Services

Ballet Classes Acro Training Jazz Dance Lyrical Dance Hip Hop Contemporary Musical Theater Summer Camps Performance Teams Recital Preparation

Highlights and features

We offer 30+ dance styles with certified instructors and industry partnerships
Our performance teams have danced at Disney, TD Garden, and Fenway Park
We provide age-appropriate choreography and safety-certified acro training
Our studio was voted #1 in Wicked Local's Readers Choice Awards
We maintain 4:1 student-teacher ratios for personalized attention

Associations and certifications

Acro Dance Teachers Association

What people say

Second home Professional staff Positive impact Excellent communication Family environment

Website

Update Listing

Services

Ballet Classes

Our ballet program develops technical excellence from creative movement for 2-year-olds to advanced pointe work. Students build posture, grace, and musicality through barre work and center combinations while learning foundational dance terminology. The curriculum prepares serious dancers for professional careers while maintaining accessibility for recreational students.

Acro Training

Certified Acro Dance Teachers Association instructors combine dance technique with acrobatic skills. Classes focus on flexibility, balance, and controlled tumbling integrated into choreography. The progressive program includes six levels from introductory shapes to advanced aerials and back handsprings with required ballet or jazz cross-training for proper technique.

Performance Teams

Audition-based teams offer competitive dance experiences at regional events and professional sporting venues. Dancers develop teamwork and stage presence through performances at the Boston Celtics, Red Sox games, and annual recitals. The program emphasizes goal-setting, graceful competition, and creating cohesive group numbers that showcase diverse dance styles.

Summer Programs

Themed camps for ages 3-9 combine dance instruction with arts and crafts. Older dancers can participate in six-week technique intensives during July and August. The program maintains continuity with regular instructors while offering specialized summer curriculum that keeps students engaged through creative activities and outdoor playtime when weather permits.

Musical Theater

Triple-threat training combines dance, singing, and acting techniques. Students learn choreography from popular musicals while developing vocal projection and character interpretation skills. The class emphasizes storytelling through movement and facial expressions, preparing performers for stage productions with a focus on ensemble work and solo presentation.

Questions

What dance styles do you offer?

We offer 10+ styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, and creative movement for ages 2-18.

How do dancers join the performance team?

Dancers aged 7-18 can audition for our performance teams. The $25 audition evaluates dance ability, dedication, and attitude with placement based on skill level rather than age.

Do you have a recital?

Yes! Our annual recital at the end of May/beginning of June showcases all students in professionally directed performances with optional participation for recreational dancers.

What are your class schedules?

Our season runs September-June with summer programs in July-August. We offer 30+ weekly classes across all skill levels with flexible scheduling options for different age groups.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes! Dancers perform at local events, charity functions, Boston sports games, and regional competitions. Our competitive teams have performed at Disney World and New York City venues.

What makes you different from other studios?

We combine technical excellence with a family-friendly environment, maintaining 4:1 student ratios and personalized attention while offering unique performance opportunities at professional venues.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Lorena R.

Dec 12, 2020 Report

My 3.5yr old daughter has been taking classes once a week here for a few months now, and she absolutely loves it! Always talks about Ms. Sam and the "happy stars" (stickers) she gets at the end of the class to let her know how well she did. The price is also very affordable and the owner Amanda is very kind and responsive. Happy to have my daughter here!

Lily Fabrizio

Dec 21, 2019 Report

I first started dancing here at the age of 5 and continued until I was 18. Throughout the years I made some of my best memories and lifelong friends, all while receiving a great dance education. At Melrose Dance Academy, I was able to learn the proper technique of various dance genres while feeling comfortable and encouraged to do my best. Additionally, as I got older, I began to look at MDA as a second home. This is certainly attributed to the positive and welcoming environment that the staff creates. Even though I am in college now, I still love coming back to help out during my breaks. I absolutely

Dorothy Pakhi Maher

Jan 06, 2019 Report

My 4 year old loves it here! The instructors are really nice and do great with the kids. Looking forward to the show this summer.

Kelly D.

Jan 04, 2019 Report

My 2 daughters have been coming here for a few months now and we are very satisfied with our experience. Miss Amanda and Miss Elizabeth are so sweet and wonderful with the kids. My girls love their tap/ballet combo class. My toddler also loves playing with the toys in the waiting room. The only reason for the 4 stars is because I have not experienced dance classes anywhere else, so I have no basis for comparison and can not honestly say it's "as good as it gets." Also, I can not see what happens during class because they keep the blinds to the viewing window closed (which is understandable

Michele G.

Nov 02, 2017 Report

My daughter is on the dance team at Melrose Dance Academy and we LOVE IT! Miss Amanda is Excellent with the girls and my daughter has learned and come so far with Miss Amanda. The older girls are great with the younger girls and Miss Amanda has a No tolerance for bullying policy! Miss Amanda is the owner and has been very kind to me and my family when we have gone through difficult times. My daughter is learning not only how to dance but how to be part of a team and what it means to make a commitment. Miss Amanda likes to give back as well as we dance yearly at Tufts Floating Hospital for Children

Jeanette Norris

Dec 17, 2016 Report

We've only been in Melrose for a few months, but my daughter (3yo) LOVES this studio. Her teacher is amazing. The owner, Miss Amanda, is amazing. I have zero complaints about how anything is run here. I can't wait to to continue my daughters dance education here as the owner and other teachers do everything they can to inspire these little ones to be beautiful, confident dancers.

Katie C.

Aug 19, 2016 Report

My 3 year old daughter just finished summer dance camp with Miss Amanda and LOVED it!

It's the perfect amount of time (2 hours) for her age and the activities were so appropriate: dance, snack, crafts, dress up. Miss Amanda was very flexible as my daughter can have some trouble with separation but after the first day, my daughter wanted me out of there (yay!). There was a "big girl dancer" helper, which my daughter also loved. Look forward to taking more classes at Melrose Dance Academy and supporting this local business.