Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in Hamden, CT
Founded in 1986, Joan Lynn Dance Company has been a cornerstone of dance education in Hamden and the Greater New Haven area for four decades. Our studio offers comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and acro for recreational, competition, and pre-professional dancers of all ages. With a faculty of seasoned instructors boasting decades of combined experience in performance, choreography, and pedagogy, we emphasize technical excellence, artistic expression, and community engagement.Our competition team participates in 3-4 annual events while supporting local charities through performances, and our summer intensives deepen students' skills in flexibility and technique. As an inclusive studio, we cater to dancers from age 2 to adult, maintaining rigorous standards while fostering a welcoming environment that celebrates both individual growth and collective achievement.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Lyrical
Modern
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Musical Theatre
Acro
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of proven expertise in dance education across 10+ styles.
- Our faculty includes Broadway-trained professionals and award-winning choreographers.
- We combine technical mastery with creative expression in all dance disciplines.
- Our competition team has performed at regional and national events since 1986.
- We integrate community service with dance through charity performances and outreach.
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program trains students from beginner to pre-professional levels with a focus on proper technique and artistic expression. We offer classes for ages 2 through adult, including pointe instruction for advanced dancers. The curriculum emphasizes posture, grace, and classical repertoire while preparing students for both recreational enjoyment and competitive performance opportunities.
Tap Dance
Our tap program combines technical precision with creative expression, taught by instructors with Broadway and festival experience. Classes for ages 8 to adult focus on rhythm, syncopation, and improvisation while developing strong foundational skills. Students have opportunities to perform at local events and participate in master classes with industry professionals.
Hip Hop
Our hip hop classes teach street dance styles in a positive environment for ages 6 and up. Instructors emphasize musicality, coordination, and self-expression while preparing students for both recreational enjoyment and competition. The program builds confidence and physical fitness through dynamic choreography and creative movement.
Musical Theatre
This program integrates dance with acting and singing, led by Broadway-trained instructors. Students learn choreography from popular musicals while developing performance skills and stage presence. The curriculum prepares dancers for theatrical productions and auditions, with opportunities to perform in local theater collaborations and annual showcases.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs provide focused training in dance technique, flexibility, and performance skills. The two-week musical theater camp combines acting, singing, and dance instruction, while specialized intensives deepen students' abilities in various styles. These programs offer accelerated learning and artistic growth opportunities for dedicated dancers during school breaks.
People
Joan Christensen
Executive Artistic Director
With 50 years of dance experience, Joan founded the studio in 1986 after assisting at Ronnie's Dance Workshop. She teaches multiple styles and choreographs for local theater productions including Whitney Players' annual shows.
David Christensen
Associate Artistic Director
Director of Tap and Musical Theatre since 2012, David holds a BFA from Boston Conservatory and has choreographed shows for theaters nationwide. He brings Broadway-level expertise to our musical theater program.
Amber Richetelli
Dance Instructor
A graduate of Hofstra University with a BS in Dance Education, Amber teaches ballet, tap, and contemporary. She has performed in works by renowned choreographers and received the New York State Dance Education Association Undergraduate Award.
Laura D'Amato Russo
Ballet Instructor
Laura trained at Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory and performed professionally while building her teaching career. She served as Ballet Mistress at New Haven Ballet and brings classical expertise to our ballet program.
Tammi Wells
Assistant Artistic Director
With 23 years of teaching experience, Tammi helped create the Performing Group and competition team. She integrates contemporary themes into choreography while maintaining a strong technical foundation in her classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and acro for ages 2 to adult.
Do you have drop-in classes available?
Yes, we offer drop-in ballet classes on Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at $20 per session.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Our competition team performs at 3-4 annual events and participates in local charity fundraisers throughout the year.
What are your summer program options?
We offer summer dance intensives for skill development and a musical theater camp co-directed by our artistic staff.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available online through our website for both our regular season and 2025-26 programming.
Reviews (3)
Kristyn Carrubba Brockett
Sep 01, 2020
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Between both of my daughters we have been at The Joan Lynn Dance Company for almost 20 years. The studio has become like family and the teachers are the best around. They give 110% to the students and strive to give them the best dance education while also making personal connections that allow the students to consider the studio their 2nd home. Professionally run for 35 years!
Kara Zichichi
Nov 18, 2018
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After dancing with Miss Joni for 15 years myself, I now bring my 4 year old daughter to her. The teachers take their jobs seriously and instill a love of dance in each student. I drive over 30 minutes because its worth it to me to know shes learning from the very best.
Michelle Bruckner
Jul 24, 2017
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I love working here as a guest choreographer. Talented, hardworking, respectful students....it all trickles down from their director. Miss Joan. She is warm, kind, funny, but no nonsense. She's someone I would trust my own children with, in fact my daughter adores her.
