Business Details
41 Years
experience
Belfast Dance Studio
Founded in 1985, Belfast Dance Studio has served as a community hub for movement, creativity, and healing arts. Our mission is to provide inclusive, heart-centered spaces for individuals to explore dance, yoga, martial arts, and wellness practices. With a team of experienced facilitators, many of whom have taught here for over a decade, we prioritize accessibility and cultural awareness, acknowledging the unceded Wabanaki territory on which we operate.Our facility features two studios with radiant heat and sprung floors, a public sauna, and a commitment to fostering community through workshops, festivals, and collaborative events. We continuously evolve to meet the needs of diverse bodies, offering sliding-scale classes, private rentals, and programs for all ages and abilities.
Services
Dance Classes
Yoga Sessions
Public Sauna
Workshops
Private Rentals
Healing Arts
Movement Play
Community Events
Teacher Training
Sound Healing
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in dance and movement education.
- Our team includes certified yoga instructors and licensed massage therapists.
- We provide inclusive programming with sliding-scale payment options.
- Our facility features sprung floors, radiant heat, and a public sauna.
- We prioritize cultural awareness and community collaboration.
Services
Dance Classes
We offer diverse dance instruction for all ages and skill levels, including ballet, modern, belly dance, and African diaspora styles. Classes emphasize technical skill development while fostering creative expression. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention in a supportive environment.
Yoga Sessions
Our yoga classes blend traditional practices with modern accessibility, featuring gentle flow, chair yoga, and themed sessions. Instructors focus on breathwork, alignment, and mindfulness. All classes incorporate modifications to accommodate diverse physical needs and experience levels.
Public Sauna
The studio's infrared sauna provides detoxification and muscle relaxation benefits. Sessions include access to shower facilities and comfortable seating for groups. Our temperature-controlled environment supports individual wellness and social connection in a safe space.
Community Workshops
We host regular workshops covering dance techniques, wellness practices, and cultural education. Programs often feature guest artists and emphasize community collaboration. Past offerings include drumming circles, embodiment workshops, and seasonal festivals.
Private Rentals
Our studios accommodate private events, rehearsals, and practice sessions. Both spaces feature sprung floors, sound systems, and climate control. Renters gain access to props, seating, and technical support for various movement-based activities.
People
Lisa Newcomb
Founder & Owner
Lisa founded Belfast Dance Studio in 1985, specializing in African and Caribbean dance forms. She has studied extensively in West Africa and Brazil, and teaches dance and movement in Maine schools.
Shana Bloomstein
Director/Manager
Shana directs the Center for Embodiment with 25+ years of dance facilitation experience. A licensed PTA and yoga instructor, she focuses on inclusive programming and social justice initiatives in movement arts.
Jeffrey Densmore
Musical Director
Jeff has provided drumming accompaniment for dance classes for 15+ years. He studied in Guinea and New York, performing across multiple genres while teaching rhythm to diverse age groups.
Molly Gawler
Dance Instructor
Molly teaches movement classes and directs Droplet Dance, combining acrobatics and storytelling. Former Pilobolus performer, she brings international performance experience to her community-based instruction.
Missy Hatch
Yoga Instructor
Missy offers adaptive yoga instruction emphasizing body wisdom since her 1989 Kripalu training. Her approach prioritizes individualized practice over rigid postures, focusing on strength and mental ease.
Questions
What types of dance classes do you offer?
We provide ballet, modern, belly dance, African diaspora forms, contact improvisation, and movement play for all ages. Class descriptions detail specific offerings and instructors.
Is your facility accessible for people with disabilities?
Our studios include chair yoga, gentle movement classes, and wheelchair-accessible spaces. We offer sliding-scale pricing and work individually to accommodate specific accessibility needs.
Can I rent your studio space for private events?
Both studios are available for rentals with sprung floors, sound systems, and seating. Contact Shana Bloomstein for availability and technical specifications for rehearsals or special events.
Do you offer childcare during classes?
While we don't provide formal childcare, family-friendly classes like Community Dance & Drum welcome children accompanied by adults for inclusive movement experiences.
What are your sauna operating hours?
Public sauna access is available daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Sessions must be scheduled in advance through our text notification system with flexible booking options.
How do you incorporate cultural awareness into programming?
We acknowledge operating on unceded Wabanaki territory and donate proceeds from specific classes to social justice organizations. Our instructors emphasize cultural context in dance forms from the African diaspora.
Reviews (1)
Vanessa Maples O'Donnell
Oct 30, 2017
Report
This is a very sweet place for dance class to bring your child or go as a retreat for a yoga class or even the sauna! Hidden little gem. Plus the staff has been wonderful and there is a small play area for kids.
