Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Dance Education in Westfield, MA
At New England Dance Center, we have dedicated ourselves to redefining dance education through excellence and innovation. Our studio combines technical mastery with character development, offering programs for dancers aged 2 and up in a supportive, family-oriented environment. With three spacious classrooms and a faculty of industry professionals, we provide tailored instruction in recreational and competitive dance, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and acro. Our instructors bring real-world experience from Broadway, national tours, and televised competitions, ensuring students receive elite-level training. We emphasize safety, creativity, and personal growth while preparing dancers for performances, competitions, and lifelong appreciation of the art form.Recognized as one of the top 50 studios nationally and #1 in the Northeast, our pre-professional teams consistently win national championships and scholarships. From introductory Twinkle Toes classes to advanced pointe training, we create pathways for every dancer to thrive. Our year-end recital showcases student achievements, while our competitive program challenges elite dancers to reach their highest potential. With over 25 years of experience cultivating award-winning talent, we remain committed to nurturing both artistic excellence and personal development in every student.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip-Hop Instruction
Lyrical Dance
Acro/Tumbling
Pointe Training
Competitive Teams
Twinkle Toes
Combo Classes
Company Programs
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience developing nationally recognized dance talent
- Our faculty includes Broadway performers and televised competition judges
- We provide age-appropriate programs from toddler introduction to professional training
- Our competitive teams win thousands in annual scholarships and awards
- We maintain a supportive family environment with strict safety protocols
What people say
Experienced instructors
Supportive environment
Award-winning programs
Professional development
Family atmosphere
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program builds foundational technique for dancers aged 3 through advanced levels. Students learn proper placement, body alignment, and classical repertoire through barre exercises and choreography. Instructors emphasize strength, flexibility, and performance quality while preparing dancers for pointe work and advanced training. This core discipline develops grace, precision, and discipline applicable to all dance forms.
Competitive Teams
Our nationally ranked competitive program challenges elite dancers in various genres. Teams receive specialized choreography and rehearsal schedules to prepare for regional and national competitions. Participants have won multiple championships, scholarships, and awards at major events like Starpower and Showstoppers. The program develops performance skills, teamwork, and competitive excellence in a supportive environment.
Acro/Tumbling
This hybrid program combines dance with acrobatic skills for ages 5 through teens. Students develop strength, flexibility, and balance through cartwheels, handstands, and progressive tumbling sequences. Certified instructors ensure safe progression while integrating dance elements. Classes emphasize controlled movements and spatial awareness, benefiting dancers seeking to enhance their technical capabilities in jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary styles.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical classes blend ballet and jazz techniques with emotional storytelling. Students learn to interpret music lyrics through movement, developing artistry and performance quality. Classes focus on fluid transitions, expressive isolations, and choreographic interpretation. This style enhances dancers' ability to connect with audiences while building technical versatility applicable to multiple dance genres.
Hip-Hop Instruction
Our hip-hop program teaches street dance styles to children and teens. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and musicality through energetic choreography. Classes emphasize individual style while maintaining technical fundamentals. Instructors focus on safe execution of dynamic movements while fostering creativity and self-expression in a high-energy environment that appeals to active participants.
People
Hayley Cloud
Owner/Studio Director
Hayley Cloud, nationally acclaimed choreographer and former So You Think You Can Dance contestant, has trained award-winning dancers for over a decade. She founded New England Dance Center's competitive program that produces national champions.
Ashley Lindeland
Co-Director
Ashley Lindeland, Pace University graduate with dual BA in Commercial Dance and Psychology, directs dance programs and choreographs award-winning routines. She brings professional Broadway and off-Broadway production experience to our studio's curriculum.
Karina Marchenko
Ballet Mistress
Karina Marchenko, certified Dance Educators of America member, brings classical Russian training from Ukrainian Lviv State Choreographic School. With 25+ years teaching at NEDC, she trains championship ballet dancers using Vaganova method expertise.
Jo-Ann Burke
Ballet Mistress
Jo-Ann Burke, former professional dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet, offers diverse training in classical and contemporary styles. She brings extensive competition judging experience and special needs dance program development expertise to our faculty.
Harvey Stockhamer
Acro Coach
Harvey Stockhamer, 21-year acro coach at NEDC, brings 30+ years of gymnastics coaching experience. Former high school and college gymnastics coach develops safe, progressive acrobatic skills for dancers of all levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, acro/tumbling, pointe, and combo classes for ages 2 through advanced levels.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, our nationally ranked competitive program includes multiple award-winning teams that compete at regional and national events.
What is your instructor qualifications?
All instructors are industry professionals with performance backgrounds on Broadway, national tours, and televised competitions.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students perform in our annual recital and competitive teams participate in multiple regional/national competitions throughout the year.
What age groups do you accept?
We accept dancers starting at age 2 through advanced teen programs with specialized classes for all skill levels.
How do I register for classes?
Registration details and class schedules are available on our website or by contacting our Westfield studio directly.
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