Business Details
17 Years
experience
Award-Winning Dance Studio for Kids & Teens in NYC
Downtown Dance Factory is New York City's premier dance studio for children and teens, established in September 2009. Our philosophy centers on making dance accessible to all genders, ages, and skill levels, from toddlers taking their first steps to advanced students pursuing elite training. We offer comprehensive programs in jazz, classical ballet, hip hop, tap, lyrical, theater dance, and breaking, taught by experienced instructors dedicated to nurturing creativity and self-expression. Our students consistently achieve recognition in regional and national competitions, with many advancing to prestigious performing arts schools and professional careers.We emphasize the transformative power of dance, fostering discipline, artistry, and confidence that extend beyond the studio. As a community-driven studio located in Tribeca, we provide flexible class options, summer programs, private lessons, and performance opportunities throughout NYC. Our founders bring decades of combined experience in dance education and business management, ensuring a supportive environment where students thrive. We maintain rigorous safety standards and transparent policies to create a reliable, family-friendly space for artistic growth.
Services
Jazz Classes
Ballet Training
Hip Hop Workshops
Tap Dance
Lyrical Dance
Theater Dance
Breaking Instruction
Summer Programs
Private Lessons
Competition Teams
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of combined experience from our artistic and business directors
- Our students have won national competitions and gained acceptance to top conservatories
- We provide age-appropriate instruction from toddlers to teens in 7 dance styles
- Our studio features two professional-grade dance floors and performance spaces
- We maintain a 10:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
What people say
Amazing new hoodies
Best birthday parties
Professional instructors
Supportive community
Award-winning training
Services
Jazz Classes
Our jazz program develops technical proficiency and performance skills through structured curriculum. Students learn traditional and contemporary jazz techniques, focusing on rhythm, coordination, and expressive movement. Classes prepare dancers for competitive success and professional opportunities while fostering artistic growth in a supportive environment.
Ballet Training
We offer comprehensive ballet instruction from foundational techniques to advanced pointe work. Our syllabus emphasizes proper alignment, grace, and musicality while preparing students for professional auditions and conservatory programs. Classes incorporate Cecchetti method training and performance opportunities in classical repertoire.
Hip Hop Workshops
Our hip hop program teaches authentic street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Instructors with professional performance backgrounds guide students through foundational moves and freestyle techniques. Classes emphasize musicality, creativity, and cultural understanding of hip hop dance traditions.
Summer Programs
Our intensive summer programs provide technical training and performance preparation across multiple dance styles. Participants receive daily technique classes, choreography workshops, and rehearsal sessions culminating in showcase performances. Programs include age-appropriate instruction for both recreational and pre-professional dancers.
Competition Teams
Selected dancers join our competitive companies for advanced training in choreography and performance. Teams participate in regional and national competitions, receiving personalized coaching in solo and group routines. Our program has earned multiple national awards for jazz and musical theater performances.
People
Hanne Larsen
Artistic Director
Award-winning dance educator with 20+ years experience, holding advanced degrees in theater and music. Former owner of Sydney's Jazz Factory, she has trained dancers who now perform professionally worldwide. Specializes in Cecchetti ballet and Giordano jazz techniques.
Melanie Zrihen
Business Director
Former management consultant with AT Kearney, holding MBA from University of Toronto. Combines business expertise with 13 years of ballet training experience. Oversees studio operations and strategic development while maintaining dance industry connections through her three dancer children.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach jazz, classical ballet, hip hop, tap, lyrical, theater dance, and breaking for ages 1.5-18 with specialized curricula for each style.
Are trial classes available?
Yes, we offer trial classes in all dance styles. Visit our website to schedule a free introductory session for any class.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, our selective competition companies train in jazz, lyrical, and musical theater. Teams regularly win awards at regional and national events.
What are your birthday party options?
We offer themed dance parties with 1-hour dance sessions followed by celebration time. Packages include instructor-led activities, decorations, and venue setup for 90-minute events.
How do I register for classes?
New students can register online through our portal. Returning students use the Parent Portal. Open registration begins November 14th for winter/spring semester.
What performance opportunities exist?
We produce annual recitals featuring competition pieces, host NYC venue performances, and participate in professional halftime shows at sports events throughout the year.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Melina McGrew
Jun 15, 2020
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Our three children all take classes at Downtown Dance Factory dating back to 2014! The studio feels like home to us! We have watched each of our children be supported, challenged and encouraged by the incredible DDF teachers and ultimately gain confidence and blossom! Each year culminates with a fantastic recital which never fails to stun us with the quality of dancing; the dedication, organizational skills and hard work of the staff; and the commitment, energy and palpable love exuding from the tiniest dancers to the superstar veterans on that stage. In competitions, DDF dancers stand out because
Mimosa Gordon
Feb 05, 2020
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We held our 5 year old's birthday party here on a dark rainy Sunday afternoon and you wouldn't have known it looked like midnight outside by the sunshine and warmth inside. The staff were wonderful with the kids (and the grownups). They kept 15 kindergarteners and one 3rd grader totally entertained and DOING CHOREOGRAPHY for a solid 45 minutes. The kids looked thrilled- and we the grownups basically had to do...nothing....The staff is totally on it. They make the party effortless. Strong recommend for kid parties. Easy planning process and correspondence the whole time.
Jean Fletcher
Oct 15, 2019
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If you are looking for a GREAT dance workout! You must come the Downtown Dance Factory. This place used to be Your Neighborhood Dance Studio and before that it was DADA. The staff is amazing and so sweet. I took the Dance it Out with Tor. Fun class and the Plyojam was a workout.
Reina Honts
Sep 14, 2019
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My daughter has been dancing here since she was very young. She looks forward to each and every class and would move in if she could. Hanne and all the teachers treat each child with love and respect and do their very best to help them become the dancers they want to be.
