
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.​
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 25:30-6:15 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.


Joppa Teen Spring show Between Villages, choreographed by Jen Steeves music: Noah Kahan

Joppa Dance Company's holiday performance: The Spirits of Christmas at the Firehouse December 2021. Rave reviews & so much fun! Thank you dancers & families.


Our video project from 2020."Freezin'!"
Our own version of Frozen- set in Newburyport!
Joppa dancers in pointe piece at outdoor recital, "Resilience"
2021 at Spencer Pierce Little Farm, Newbury, MA.


Nutcrackah! Joppa's holiday show
Dec. 2022 was so fun & sold out!

Winter Wonder Neverland Dec. 2023 was a great hit!
Our Seniors- Ava: Hook, Addie: Wendy,
Lilly: Pan, Simone: Tinkerbell
Junior class- Audrey, Ruby, Maia,
were Wendy's the adventurous siblings.
