Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in North Amherst, MA
Pineapple Dance was founded on the principle that dance should be accessible, joyful, and transformative for all students. Our studio fosters a welcoming environment where community, excellence, and creativity thrive. With a faculty of experienced professionals, we offer instruction in diverse styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and tap. Our mission is to provide high-quality dance education while nurturing self-expression and mutual support among students of all skill levels. We emphasize personal growth over competition, encouraging dancers to challenge themselves while celebrating collective progress. Through regular classes, summer intensives, and performance opportunities, we create pathways for students to develop technical proficiency and artistic confidence.Our commitment to safety and inclusivity ensures every participant feels valued and respected. By blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, we prepare dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional aspirations. Located in North Amherst, Massachusetts, we serve local communities with flexible scheduling and transparent communication. Whether pursuing dance for fitness, fun, or future careers, students at Pineapple Dance find a supportive home to grow artistically.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary Dance
Tap Technique
Summer Intensives
Private Lessons
Performance Prep
Dance Conditioning
Youth Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from faculty trained at top institutions
- Our curriculum includes 6+ dance styles with specialized summer intensives
- We maintain a 6:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our flexible payment options include monthly tuition and drop-in rates
- We follow strict safety protocols with health checks and transparent communication
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through classical training and contemporary adaptations. Students learn proper alignment, turnout, and pointe work while exploring both traditional and modern interpretations. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, dancers progress safely while building strength, flexibility, and artistry.
Summer Intensives
Week-long summer programs combine technical training with creative exploration across multiple dance styles. Each intensive includes master classes, choreography sessions, and performance opportunities. Designed for ages 6-14, our camps emphasize skill development while maintaining a fun, supportive environment that fosters artistic growth.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction tailored to specific goals and skill levels. Available in all dance styles, these sessions focus on technique refinement, competition preparation, or personalized choreography. Our experienced faculty creates customized plans to address individual needs while maintaining proper training progression.
Tap Technique
Comprehensive tap curriculum covering rhythm, musicality, and improvisation. Classes emphasize clear sound production, syncopation, and stylistic versatility from traditional to contemporary forms. Students study with instructors trained by industry professionals, gaining both technical foundation and performance confidence.
Performance Prep
Rehearsal-based classes preparing dancers for recitals and showcases. Focus includes ensemble coordination, stagecraft, and performance quality. Participants learn production elements like lighting, costuming, and choreography execution while developing confidence and stage presence through regular performance opportunities.
People
Charlotte Doyle
Owner & Artistic Director
Charlotte Doyle founded Pineapple Dance after earning her BA in Dance from Mount Holyoke College. With training from Connecticut Ballet and Walnut Hill School, she brings 15+ years teaching experience and professional performance credits with notable companies. She directs curriculum development and faculty training.
Cristina Hayes-Mendez
Acro & Ballet Instructor
Cristina combines 10+ years competitive gymnastics experience with dance training to teach acro and ballet. A Pineapple Dance alumna, she holds a BioPhysics degree from Amherst College and specializes in safe progression techniques for young dancers.
Carissa Lange
Ballet & Contemporary Instructor
Carissa Lange holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences and brings 12 years teaching experience. She earned her dance degrees from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and Allegheny College, specializing in ballet and contemporary techniques.
Lindsay LaValley Fuller
Tap & Jazz Instructor
With 30+ years dance experience, Lindsay teaches tap and jazz while working in Mount Holyoke's Admission Office. She trained at Hackworth School of Performing Arts and studied with Frank Hatchett, bringing both technical expertise and performance energy to her classes.
Mari Washburn
Hip Hop & Jazz Instructor
Mari has 20+ years dance experience and co-directs the competition team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science while managing social media for a pet store. Her teaching focuses on hip hop foundations and performance dynamics.
Questions
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check, or Venmo payments. Monthly tuition is due by the 10th with a $10 late fee for overdue payments.
What dance styles are offered?
We provide instruction in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and acro. Summer intensives include specialized training across multiple styles.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Classes culminate in annual performances, with summer camps featuring end-of-week showcases. We also offer competition team opportunities for dedicated dancers.
What safety protocols are in place?
We maintain strict health checks and follow current safety guidelines. Class sizes remain limited to ensure proper spacing and individual attention.
