Business Details
Premier Dance Education in Alton, NH
Alton Dance Academy has been dedicated to fostering a love for dance in students of all ages since our founding. We provide comprehensive training in diverse dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, modern, and contemporary, emphasizing technical excellence and artistic expression. Our experienced instructors, many with collegiate degrees in performing arts, create a nurturing, non-competitive environment where students develop discipline, creativity, and confidence.Recognized as a four-time Best of the Lakes Region Gold Medal Winner, we are committed to integrating dance education with academic growth through programs like the National Honor Society for Dancers. With over 15 years of excellence in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, we prioritize proper technique, safety, and individualized attention to help every student thrive.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Instruction
Hip-Hop Workshops
Modern Technique
Contemporary Dance
Character Dance
Fitness Classes
Dance Attire
Adult Dance
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of dance excellence in the New Hampshire Lakes Region
- Our instructors hold collegiate degrees in performing arts and have professional experience
- We maintain a non-competitive environment focused on technical mastery
- Recognized as a four-time Best of the Lakes Region Gold Medal Winner
- We provide pathways to National Honor Society for Dancers membership
What people say
Experienced instructors
Diverse class offerings
Non-competitive environment
Award-winning facility
Professional staff
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision through barre work, adagio, allegro, and pointe training. Students learn classical repertoire while building foundational skills applicable to all dance forms. Ages 3+ receive age-appropriate instruction emphasizing proper placement and terminology.
Jazz Dance
Explore jazz techniques from Giordano and Luigi traditions while learning Broadway choreography. Classes emphasize speed, energy, and musicality with proper jazz shoe requirements. Students develop versatility through various jazz subgenres and performance-ready routines.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes focus on rhythmic patterns and musical phrasing using specialized tap shoes. Students learn historical tap techniques while creating percussive sounds through precise footwork. Classes accommodate all skill levels from beginner to advanced tap artists.
Fitness Classes
Offering Zumba, Pilates, Barre, and Senior Stretch classes for adults of all fitness levels. Certified instructors lead sessions combining dance elements with physical conditioning. Classes use music-based workouts to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health in a fun environment.
Dance Attire
We provide official dancewear including Revolution Dancewear and Danskin leotards. Our boutique ensures proper fit for all required class attire and shoes. Special orders take 1-2 weeks with multiple payment options available for dance essentials and accessories.
People
Ashley Dowling
Artistic Director
With degrees from Dean College and Mount Holyoke College, Ashley has taught dance for 20+ years. She founded Alton Dance Academy's National Honor Society chapter and choreographs award-winning productions while directing the studio's operations.
Faith Gestewitz
Dance Instructor
Faith holds a B.A. in Dance from Messiah University and specializes in ballet and contemporary techniques. Returning alumna with experience in Nutcracker productions and collegiate dance programs, she teaches multiple styles to students of all ages.
Abigail Wenczkowski
Dance Instructor
A 16-year ADA student and National Honor Society member, Abigail teaches ballet and contemporary styles. Currently pursuing a dance degree at Dean College, she brings expertise in dance history and pedagogy to her instruction.
Sherry Lee Meyer
Fitness Instructor
Zumba-certified instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience. Licensed in multiple Zumba formats, she creates energetic dance fitness classes for adults while maintaining fitness integrity and accessibility for all participants.
Jennifer Bourassa
Fitness Instructor
AFAA-certified instructor with 15+ years teaching senior and aqua fitness at local wellness centers. Specializes in adapting fitness routines for different ability levels while maintaining challenging, enjoyable workout environments for adult participants.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Contemporary, and Character dance classes for children ages 3 and up with age-appropriate instruction.
Do you have adult fitness classes available?
Yes, we offer Zumba, STRONG Nation, Pilates, Barre, Senior Stretch, and Belly Dancing classes for adults with drop-in pricing and discounted punch cards available.
What are your dress code requirements?
Specific attire varies by class but generally requires leotards, tights, and proper footwear. We sell approved dancewear at our boutique to ensure compliance with safety and visibility standards.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we produce annual performances featuring student dancers in roles like Captain Hook in Peter Pan and Shenzi in The Lion King, with choreography that receives standing ovations.
What makes your academy unique?
We're the only NH studio offering National Honor Society for Dancers membership, combining technical training with academic recognition, and have won Best of the Lakes Region awards for six consecutive years.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Kytalin Dowling
Aug 25, 2020
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This place is very nice and like home to a lot of people. I love the owner and we have a tight relationship, she is a great trained dancer, and a very nice teacher with a great attitude. (pun intended for those who will get it)
Molly Vignola
Aug 05, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I go to Alton dance Academy, and it's AMAZING
I go to Alton dance Academy, and it's AMAZING
Aimee Terravechia
Sep 07, 2019
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Amazing community atmosphere. Wonderful teachers. Very supportive and nurturing environment. ❤️❤️❤️
Shannon Dodier
Jun 26, 2019
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#morethanadancestudio The talented/amazing owner Ashley has become apart of my family through dance. My daughter looks up to her and Ashely has been there to help my daughter with her passion for dance from a young age. Hands down the best dance studio in New Hampshire!
Allyson Horr
Jun 14, 2016
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Ashley is one of a kind! This was my daughter's first year in dance and she absolutely loved it. Teachers are great and my daughter had a blast!
