
Since 1984
The Dance Place
of Newburyport
"For the love of movement and artistic expression..."
50 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
The Tannery Marketplace, Mill #1
Phone: (978) 465-1485
This studio is a no-glitz, non-competitive nurturing environment. Young dancers don't spend the whole year learning their "recital dance". They learn the various techniques of dance with different combinations each week. Attention to recital choreography is later in the year. The performance company does not compete, but presents several shows a year which include the dancers' own choreography. It's about the process, creativity, imagination, growth & building confidence. Our adult classes are ongoing and drop-in. (Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, African, Latin, Zumba...)
Our knowledgable and experienced teachers hold a loving and welcoming space for all.​
Voted #1 year after year ~ Newburyport Daily News "BEST OF" and Wicked Local's "READERS' CHOICE AWARDS" for best dance studio!
The Dance Place is a Newburyport dance studio where children and adults can indulge in their love for dance! Our non-competitive, nurturing environment allows dancers of any level and any age
to feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Important Announcements
Celebrating 40+ Years!
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Registration for 2025/26 begins May 1st.
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JOPPA DANCE COMPANY Auditions: Monday, June 16th at the studio.
(Entering)
Grades 4-6 3:30 ~ Joppa Jr. (& Jr. 2 if needed)
Grades 7-8 4:30 ~ Joppa 2
Grades 9-12 5:30 ~ Joppa T2/Teen
Here's some information about auditions tomorrow, MON. 6/16 at The Dance Place:
3:30-4:15 Entering grades 4-6 ~ Joppa Jr. (Jr. 2 if needed.)
4:30-5:15 Entering grades 7-8 ~ Joppa 2
5:30-6:15 Entering grades 9-12 ~ Joppa T2/Teen
Answers to some questions:
1.) Anyone can audition. Kids with ballet experience do better than those without, but a strong talent for picking up choreography bodes well. Some who audition, and don't make it, are encouraged to take another year of ballet, then audition the next year. Most times, those kids make it. Dancers should not take it personally if they are not accepted, though we know that's hard. We have to limit the number of dancers in the company, so some years we only have a few slots available.
2.) The audition is a short warmup, then a dance combination similar to what choreography would be like. It is fun and easy-going. Auditions are stressful, but the company directors and instructors are there to support and guide them, not make them feel judged. They should feel free to ask questions. Wear comfortable dance attire and hair away from the face, not dangly jewelry.
3.) Joppa commitment is every Thursday during the school year. Joppa Junior meets 4:00-6:00, Joppa 2 3:30-6:00, Joppa T2/Teen 6:00-8:30. This is in addition to at least one ballet class a week, which is mandatory. Dancers who don't make up missed classes cannot perform. Joppa members are placed in ballet classes with their group.
4.) There is a Joppa holiday performance scheduled at the Firehouse Center this December 5th, 6th, 7th: two shows on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, plus some travel opportunities. Joppa T2 and Teen will be going to Portugal with Performing Arts Educators July 22nd-29th 2026. The Juniors do a special performance in October as part of Newburyport Arts Collective's Halloween Festival.
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Email danceplacenbpt@gmail.com or call 978-465-1485 for assistance.​​​
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NEW Adult Intro to Luigi Jazz is now on Saturdays 9:00-10:15am.​
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School Cancellation Policy
For cancellations we follow the Newburyport school system. If it cancels, we cancel, which includes snow days, (& other inclement weather), and holidays, but does not include teacher workshops or the like. *There are SOME EXCEPTIONS. Please check this page for postings.
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Purchase Adult Classes Online!
You can purchase classes with PayPal here. Please present receipt at studio.
Adult classes on-going in: ballet, contemporary, Luigi jazz, tap, zumba, African, aerial.
Rates/schedule on "classes" page. Click here>
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The Dance Place is proud to be a member of the newly formed Newburyport Arts Collective which brings arts and cultural organizations in Newburyport together to advocate for the arts, create integrated events/promotions, and share ideas and resources as we all strive to rebuild better than ever following the pandemic. Learn more and check the NAC website regularly for arts and cultural events happening in Newburyport: www.newburyportartscollective.org
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Established in 1987 & based at The Dance Place, Exit performs several times a year. Visit www.exitdancetheatre.org
for information. Exit's compilation of past work and video projects as part of The Actors Studio's 2020 HERstory Month Festival can be seen at: http://whmdance.newburyportacting.org/
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