Business Details
9 Years
experience
Your Home for Dance Education in Ayer, MA
The Dance Garden has been nurturing dancers of all ages and abilities since 2017, offering comprehensive dance education in a welcoming environment. Our experienced instructors bring decades of combined expertise in various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. We specialize in recreational classes for toddlers through adults, competitive dance teams with regional competition opportunities, and inclusive programs like Chance to Dance for neurodiverse students.Our homeschool dance classes provide educational enrichment for families, while birthday parties offer fun social experiences. With a focus on community building and personalized instruction, we prioritize both technical skill development and artistic expression. Our facility in Ayer, MA features dedicated spaces for classes and events, supported by a team committed to making dance accessible and affordable through flexible payment options and a shoe donation program.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary Dance
Competitive Teams
Homeschool Programs
Birthday Parties
Master Classes
Special Needs Dance
Adult Dance Fitness
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of combined teaching experience from certified instructors
- Specialized programs for neurodiverse students and homeschool families
- Competitive dance teams with regional competition opportunities
- Flexible payment plans and family-friendly pricing structures
- Community-focused approach with birthday parties and special events
What people say
Amazing instructors
Inclusive environment
Great for all ages
Professional recitals
Supportive community
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn traditional techniques from experienced instructors, progressing through levels that emphasize proper form, musicality, and performance skills. Classes include age-appropriate combinations and choreography for annual recitals.
Competitive Teams
Our competitive teams prepare dancers for regional competitions through intensive training in multiple styles. Participants receive specialized coaching in choreography, technique, and performance presentation. Team membership requires instructor approval and commitment to regular practice sessions and conventions.
Homeschool Programs
Designed for homeschool families, these classes integrate dance education with physical development and creative expression. The curriculum combines ballet, jazz, and tumbling to enhance motor skills and artistic appreciation while providing social interaction opportunities for homeschool communities.
Special Needs Dance
Our Chance to Dance program offers tailored instruction for neurodiverse students aged 5-10. Using structured routines and repetition, instructors create an inclusive environment that builds confidence, social skills, and dance fundamentals while accommodating individual learning needs and abilities.
Birthday Parties
We host themed birthday celebrations featuring dance instruction, games, and party activities. Packages include two hours of studio time with decorations, refreshments, and optional pizza service, creating memorable experiences where children can celebrate feeling like superstars.
People
Lindsey Lawrence
Director/Owner
With 30 years of teaching experience and a degree in Performing Arts, Lindsey established The Dance Garden to create a nurturing environment for dance education. She specializes in early childhood instruction and community outreach programs.
Kelsey Bachta
Dance Instructor
A 26-year dance veteran with a Master's in Special Education, Kelsey brings expertise in adaptive instruction and contemporary dance. She balances teaching with her role as a special education teacher and competition team coaching.
Brandy-Ray Lasonde
Dance Instructor
With 19 years of dance experience and competition accolades, Brandy specializes in contemporary and hip hop instruction. She combines her teaching role with special needs education and brings energetic choreography to middle and high school dancers.
Isabella Beek
Dance Instructor
A 16-year dance professional, Isabella focuses on hip hop and contemporary instruction for teens. Her background in cheerleading, acting, and modeling informs her dynamic teaching style that connects with middle and high school students.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for toddlers (18 months+) through adults. Specialized programs include homeschool classes, neurodiverse-friendly instruction, and competitive teams for older students.
Do you offer payment plans for dance classes?
Yes, we provide flexible monthly payment plans based on class hours. Auto-pay options and Venmo payments are available for convenience.
What dance styles are available at your studio?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tap, modern, musical theater, and acrobatics. Specialized workshops include master classes and summer intensives.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
All recreational classes participate in our annual June recital. Competitive teams perform at regional competitions, and special events feature student choreography and guest performances.
Do you have programs for special needs children?
Yes, our Chance to Dance program offers specialized instruction for neurodiverse students aged 5-10 with structured routines and experienced instructors in a supportive environment.
Reviews (6)
Renae Cianciotto
Dec 23, 2019
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In one word.. The Dance Garden is amazing! Lindsey Lawrence, owner/teacher truly makes every child at every dance level feel like a confident and strong dancer. Lindsey encourages hard work and dedication combined with huge amounts of fun. The dancers are warm and welcoming to new dancers starting classes at the studio. My daughter started at The Dance Garden the day it opened and she couldn't imagine dancing anywhere else!
Sara Kruger
Dec 22, 2019
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My daughters have been dancing with Miss Lindsey for seven and five years. They LOVE coming to dance every week. They have both grown and their confidence has blossomed. The Dance Garden also hosts a variety of events that are great for all ages and abilities.
Kristen Saunders
Dec 11, 2019
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My daughter is going into her second year of dance with Ms. Lindsey at the Dance Garden. We are so fortunate to have found her after my daughter left the dance studio she had attended for 8 years. Her former studio was not very receptive to having a student with a new chronic illness diagnosis requiring missing parts or all of a class. She was singled out and removed from part of or all of one of her four of her recital dances. Ms. Lindsey from the start has been very warm and receptive towards my daughter from the first day. Even when she injuried her ankle twice Ms. Lindsey made sure she was
Denise Beek
Dec 11, 2019
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My daughter has been dancing with Lindsey for 10 years now and it has been an excellent experience for her. I can't imagine another studio/instructor giving her the ability to learn and blossom with such patience and caring as Lindsey has done. The bond they have at this point is beautiful to see and they work so seamlessly together when creating dances for competition. If you are looking for a studio that nurtures you child while teaching them then this is the place for your child. I am so thankful we found her so long ago!
Erin Stillman
Nov 19, 2019
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My daughter is starting her fourth season dancing at The Dance Garden. She loves dancing with miss Lindsey and we love the confidence it has given her over the years. Lindsey works hard to provide a positive environment for her dancers and it shows in the way her dancers care for each other and lift each other up!
Amie Caraballo
Nov 08, 2019
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I have 3 children who dance at The Dance Garden and they all love it! The owner, Ms. Lindsey aims to keep things affordable in every way that she can. My children enjoy all their classes and have all come out of their shells thanks to Ms Lindsays patience and encouragement. I highly recommend this center!
