Karen Bernard School of Dance

Business Details

Your Trusted Partner for Dance Education in Winchester, MA

Karen Bernard School of Dance has been dedicated to providing exceptional dance education and training in Winchester, MA for over three decades. Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong passion for dance in every student, beginning with their first class. We believe every child deserves to explore dance in a way that is both enjoyable and challenging, combining enthusiastic instruction with disciplined attention to individual needs.

Our team of experienced instructors encourages students to reach their full potential while fostering respect for the art of dance. Through diverse disciplines, we cater to both pre-professional and recreational dancers, emphasizing technical mastery, confidence-building, and goal achievement. Our program is designed to create a nurturing environment where students develop self-esteem and a lasting appreciation for dance.

Services

Happy Feet TriStar Hip Hop Modern/Lyrical PrePointe/Pointe Progressive Technique Performance Company

Highlights and features

We offer over 30 years of dance education expertise in Winchester, MA
Our certified instructors provide individualized attention to every student
We teach 6+ dance disciplines from beginner to pre-professional levels
Our program builds confidence through performance opportunities
We maintain small class sizes for optimal student development

Website

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Services

Happy Feet

Designed for children aged 3-5, this 45-minute class introduces ballet and tap fundamentals while nurturing natural musicality. Through playful movement activities, we cultivate early dance appreciation and basic coordination skills in a joyful, encouraging environment that sparks lifelong interest in dance.

TriStar

Our flagship program combines ballet, tap, and jazz instruction for kindergarten+ students. This 60+ minute class develops proper technique, body alignment, and performance skills while building confidence and life skills through structured, progressive dance education that prepares students for advanced training.

Hip Hop

High-energy 45-minute sessions focusing on hip hop technique, choreography, and performance skills for kindergarten+ students. This popular class builds self-confidence through weekly routine learning while maintaining a fun, non-competitive atmosphere that celebrates individual style and creativity.

Modern/Lyrical

For grades 4+, this 45-minute class blends ballet and jazz influences to create emotionally expressive movement. Students learn improvisation techniques, floorwork patterns, and musical interpretation skills that develop artistic versatility and deepen their connection to dance as a storytelling medium.

PrePointe/Pointe

Advanced 45-minute training for grade 5+ students preparing for pointe work. This class focuses on building the necessary strength, proper alignment, and technical foundation required for pointe shoe training, with prerequisites ensuring students have appropriate ballet experience before enrollment.

People

Karen Bernard

Director/Owner

Founder of the school with over 30 years experience, Karen holds a B.S. in Education and Massachusetts K-12 certification. Active member of Dance Teachers Club of Boston and Dance Masters of America Chapter 5, she brings extensive pedagogical expertise to our program.

Kailene Bernard Stankovic

Assistant Director

With 20+ years teaching experience, Kailene serves as both instructor and choreographer. A member of Dance Teachers Club of Boston and Dance Masters of America Chapter 5, she brings professional expertise from her full-time role in dance education and production.

Allison Mazzarella

Dance Instructor

B.A. in Dance Performance from Hofstra University, Allison brings six years teaching experience at KBSD. She also works as a part-time choreographer for Boston-area youth theater companies and special educator at Landmark School, combining dance and education expertise.

Courtney Bernard

Choreographer

Graduate of Dance Teachers Club of Boston's training program, Courtney combines dance instruction with a full-time medical support role at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, bringing unique perspective and discipline to her teaching and choreography responsibilities.

Chaneigh Bernard

Performance Instructor

After graduating from Boston University, Chaneigh has performed with DanceWorks Boston in contemporary, jazz, and heels styles. As both instructor and performer, she brings professional stage experience to her teaching and choreography roles at KBSD.

Questions

What dance styles do you offer for children?

We offer Happy Feet (ages 3-5), TriStar (ballet/tap/jazz combo), Hip Hop, Modern/Lyrical, PrePointe/Pointe, and Progressive Technique classes for students aged kindergarten through teens.

Do you accept students with no prior dance experience?

Yes! Our Happy Feet and TriStar programs are perfect for beginners. We welcome all experience levels and provide appropriate placement for both recreational and serious dancers.

Are there performance opportunities for students?

Yes, our Performance Dance Company members participate in multiple dances in all shows. We also offer recital opportunities for all students to showcase their progress annually.

What qualifications do your instructors have?

Our instructors include certified educators, professional performers, and choreographers with degrees in dance education. Many hold memberships in professional organizations like Dance Teachers Club of Boston.

What class schedule options are available?

We offer classes 6 days/week with flexible scheduling. Most classes run after school hours, with weekend options available. The TriStar program allows multiple disciplines in one day with discounted rates.

Do you offer family discounts or payment plans?

We provide discounted rates for multiple class enrollments. While specific payment plans aren't mentioned in our materials, we recommend contacting our office directly to discuss your family's needs.

Reviews (7)

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Jennie Hu

Dec 11, 2020 Report

Highly recommended! I was referred to Karen Bernard School of Dance by a friend and Im very happy with my choice. My first grader got the Tristar class and she had great time. I was very impressed by all efforts Karen and her professional team made to help with their students also the resilience the team is demonstrating during the pandemic.

Molly Ryan

Oct 02, 2019 Report

As an alumni of KBSD (toddler through graduation), there isn't another place I would send my daughter! My four year old is going into her second year and is thriving in class. She enjoys dancing and I can see her confidence growing week to week. Karen's patience and positive approach to teaching is refreshing and I know my daughter will learn as much as I did from her time at KBSD, through technique in the classroom and beyond!

Anne Baker

Jun 05, 2019 Report

My girls have danced at the Karen Bernard School of Dance since they were three years old. I would highly recommend Karen and Kailene and wonderful staff at this dance school. I was a dancer throughout my life and love that this school teaches beautiful ballet technique combined with a fun approach. My girls love taking ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop all in the same afternoon. I love watching the growth each year and the kids enthusiasm for the shows when they perform. The confidence they learn at the classes at KBSD has carried over into other areas and activities in my childrens life. This

Maura Christopher

Jul 31, 2018 Report

AWESOME! Love this place! My daughter attended for years, toddler all the way through high school & was a fabulous experience! Excellent staff & supportive learning environment. The Holiday & Spring Recitals are amazing to watch & there's a great mix of music for everyone in the audience!

Gail Morlock

Jun 27, 2018 Report

The teachers at Karen Bernard School of Dance (KBSD) lead their classes with professionalism and patience, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Her dancers are taught the importance of trust, responsibility and camaraderie. The culture at the studio promotes helping one another with respect and kindness.
KBSD goes above and beyond teaching dance. Along with formal technique, Karen, her daughters and devoted staff teach their students how to work together as a cohesive group with grace and elegance.

Kate O.

Mar 14, 2014 Report

The best of the best. Every teacher is very experienced, friendly, and genuinely care about their students
This place is my second home.

Jack M.

Sep 02, 2009 Report

I know Karen Bernard. She started this place when she moved here years ago. She truly loves her work. All of her daughters dance with her and if you live in Winchester and have a daughter, chances are they learned to dance from this woman here. Nice studio off Swanton St in Winchester. Her patience with the little kids is incredible. She puts on a dance show each year which is always a success.