Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Dance and Performance Arts Training
Central Mass Dance Academy has been inspiring dancers since 2004 through comprehensive performance arts training. Our academy offers specialized instruction in dance, acting, singing, and modeling, delivered by experienced mentors committed to student growth. With programs designed for all skill levels, we balance structure and creativity to help students develop technical proficiency and artistic expression. Our faculty includes industry professionals with decades of combined experience, including licensed educators and award-winning choreographers. We emphasize a nurturing environment where students gain confidence through performance opportunities and personalized guidance.The academy's unique approach includes non-parent-and-me programs for young dancers, fostering independence while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. Our facilities support diverse training needs, including partnerships with modeling agencies and theater programs. Testimonials highlight our compassionate teaching style and the positive impact on students' self-esteem. We maintain rigorous standards in technique while prioritizing individual progress and creative exploration. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition through competition awards and community service accolades.
Services
Dance Classes
Acting Lessons
Vocal Training
Acro Classes
Lyrical/Contemporary Dance
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our non-parent-and-me programs foster independence in young dancers
- We provide structured training with personalized progress tracking
- Our faculty includes licensed dance educators and professional performers
- We guarantee performance opportunities to build confidence and stage experience
Associations and certifications
- AcrobaticArts
What people say
Compassionate teachers
Confidence-building programs
Structured environment
Positive experience
Best part of her week
Services
Dance Classes
Our dance classes offer comprehensive training in multiple genres including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Students develop technical skills while exploring creative expression through movement. Classes are structured by age and experience level to ensure appropriate progression and challenge.
Acting Lessons
Acting lessons focus on performance techniques, character development, and stage presence. Students learn improvisation, script analysis, and performance skills through structured exercises and scene work. Classes prepare students for auditions and stage performances.
Vocal Training
Vocal training develops proper singing techniques including breath control and vocal positioning. Students work on age-appropriate musical selections while learning performance skills. Classes emphasize both technical development and artistic expression.
Acro Classes
Acro classes combine dance with acrobatic skills to develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. Students learn tumbling skills and balancing techniques while maintaining proper form and safety. Classes progress from basic to advanced levels.
Lyrical/Contemporary Dance
Lyrical and contemporary dance classes blend ballet and jazz techniques with expressive movement. Students learn to interpret music lyrics through dance while developing individual artistry. Classes emphasize emotional expression and creative interpretation.
People
Kellie Shea
Owner/Director
Kellie Shea has over 16 years teaching experience and 30 years dance experience. She holds degrees in dance and communications from UMASS Amherst and is a licensed dance educator. She also directs The Actors Loft and manages dance programs at Burncoat Schools.
Jennifer Byrnes
Instructor
Jennifer has 30 years dance experience and 20 years teaching. She studied with master choreographers and danced with Boston Ballet. She holds degrees in education and special education and teaches diverse dance styles to competition-level students.
Jenn Benson
Instructor
Jenn Benson has 20+ years teaching experience and studied with nationally recognized instructors. She holds an EEC certification for infant/toddler education and specializes in early childhood dance development and choreography.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We accept students starting at 18 months old through adult classes, with specific programs tailored to different developmental stages.
Do you require prior dance experience?
No prior experience is needed. Our classes are structured to accommodate beginners while providing progression paths for experienced dancers.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students participate in annual recitals and have opportunities to perform in community events and competition settings throughout the year.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors have professional dance experience and teaching credentials, with many holding advanced degrees and competition awards.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, acro, and specialized programs like Show Stars and Twinkle Star curricula.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we offer free trial classes for our Twinkle Star program to help families experience our teaching approach.
