Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance & Wellness Studio in Belfast, ME
Since 1985, Belfast Dance Studio has served as a community hub for movement and creativity, offering diverse classes in dance, yoga, martial arts, and healing arts. Our team of experienced facilitators, many of whom have been with us for decades, provides instruction across all age groups, from children to adults. We prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, fostering a welcoming environment for all bodies and abilities. Our facility includes two studios with sprung flooring, a sauna, and spaces for workshops and community events. We host annual festivals, galas, and performances while supporting local artists and social justice initiatives.Our instructors bring global expertise, having studied in West Africa, New York City, and beyond, while maintaining deep roots in Maine's cultural landscape. We emphasize both technical skill development and personal expression through movement, with programs ranging from ballet to experimental dance forms. Our sauna services and wellness programs extend our commitment to holistic health and community well-being. We actively seek partnerships to enhance accessibility and continue evolving as a center for embodiment and connection.
Services
Ballet classes
Yoga instruction
Community dance workshops
Sauna therapy
Sound healing sessions
Movement play for children
Modern dance choreography
Drumming classes
Goddess activation workshops
Contact improvisation
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Offering movement instruction since 1985 with experienced, globally-trained instructors
- Diverse programming for all ages and abilities including adaptive classes
- Inclusive space prioritizing accessibility for all bodies and identities
- Combines technical training with creative expression in multiple dance forms
- Community-focused with annual festivals and social justice partnerships
What people say
Inclusive space for all bodies
Experienced, knowledgeable instructors
Transformative wellness programs
Vibrant community atmosphere
Accessible, welcoming environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Belfast Dance Studio offers ballet instruction for ages 4 to adults. Programs include Junior Ballet introducing foundational techniques, Adult/Teen Ballet focusing on technique refinement, and specialized classes for experienced dancers. Our instructors emphasize proper form, artistic expression, and progressive skill development while maintaining a playful, inclusive environment that welcomes all experience levels.
Yoga Programs
We provide diverse yoga offerings including Gentle Flow, Chair Yoga, and themed sessions integrating pranayama and meditation. Classes cater to all levels with modifications for injuries or chronic conditions. Our instructors emphasize body wisdom, individualized practice, and the philosophical foundations of yoga while incorporating accessibility-focused adaptations and social justice principles in their teaching approach.
Community Dance
Community Dance & Drum sessions combine African diaspora influences with creative movement exploration. Classes feature live drumming accompaniment, strength-building exercises, and collaborative choreography development. Participants of all ages and abilities engage in joyful, inclusive movement experiences that honor cultural traditions while fostering contemporary community connection through rhythmic expression and collective creation.
Sauna Therapy
Our public sauna offers detoxification and muscle relaxation benefits with sessions available daily. The facility includes temperature controls, shower access, and capacity for six participants. Users enjoy self-guided sessions with recommended protocols for optimal wellness benefits, making this accessible wellness service available to both studio members and the broader community seeking holistic health practices.
Sound Healing
Sound Healing Journeys use Tibetan singing bowls, drums, and natural instruments to create therapeutic soundscapes. These one-hour sessions promote nervous system regulation through harmonic vibrations, combining ancient practices with modern wellness approaches. Participants experience guided meditation while lying or sitting comfortably, with options for private sessions and specialized drumming programs based on I-Ching patterns for brain re-patterning and stress reduction.
People
Lisa Newcomb
Founder & Owner
Lisa Newcomb founded Belfast Dance Studio in 1985, specializing in African and Caribbean dance forms. She has studied extensively in West Africa, Brazil, and the US, bringing cultural authenticity to her teaching. Lisa developed the Sankofa Festival and continues to teach dance and yoga while maintaining her role as artistic director of Women's Works dance collective.
Shana Bloomstein
Director/Manager
Shana Bloomstein is a licensed physical therapy assistant, massage therapist, and certified yoga instructor with 20+ years teaching experience. She directs the Center for Embodiment, focusing on inclusive programming and social justice initiatives. Shana's expertise combines somatic practices, community activism, and dance education, having studied in Senegal, New York City, and at Hampshire College with extensive teacher training in yoga and movement therapy.
Questions
What types of dance classes do you offer?
We offer ballet, modern dance, belly dance, African diaspora dance, contact improvisation, and creative movement classes for ages 2+ with options for all skill levels.
Are your facilities accessible for people with disabilities?
We prioritize accessibility with wheelchair-accessible spaces, adaptive yoga classes, and inclusive programming. Contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility needs or accommodations.
Can I rent the sauna without taking dance classes?
Our public sauna is available to everyone, with sessions bookable by calling 207-323-8499. No dance class enrollment is required for sauna access.
Do you offer childcare during classes?
Community Dance & Drum classes welcome children with adult supervision. For other classes, please contact instructors directly about childcare options or family-friendly programming.
How do you incorporate social justice into your programming?
We donate class proceeds to social justice organizations, prioritize inclusive language and practices, and actively work to decolonize yoga and dance through our teaching methodologies and community partnerships.
What wellness services are available besides dance classes?
Our wellness offerings include sauna therapy, sound healing sessions, yoga classes, massage therapy, and the Feel Better Class combining movement and nervous system regulation techniques.
