Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Hamden for All Ages & Skill Levels
Founded in 1986, Joan Lynn Dance Company has been a cornerstone of dance education in Hamden and the Greater New Haven area for four decades. Our studio provides comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre, catering to recreational, pre-professional, and competition dancers aged 2 to adult. Under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Joan Christensen, our faculty combines 50+ years of collective experience with a commitment to fostering creativity, technical excellence, and community engagement.We offer specialized programs including summer intensives, charity performance teams, and inclusive classes that emphasize both artistic growth and social responsibility. With a legacy of producing award-winning choreography and nurturing dancers who pursue careers in the arts, we remain dedicated to making dance accessible and transformative for all.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Musical Theatre
Contemporary
Acro
Adult Classes
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 40 years of proven excellence in dance education since 1986
- Faculty includes BFA holders and award-winning choreographers
- Community-focused programs with annual charity performances
- Specialized training for recreational, competition, and pre-professional dancers
- Summer intensives and musical theatre camps for advanced study
What people say
Experienced instructors
Inclusive environment
Community impact
Charity performances
Technical excellence
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn classical techniques, pointe work, and performance skills under instructors with professional ballet backgrounds. Classes cater to all levels from beginner to pre-professional dancers seeking careers in the performing arts.
Tap Dance
Tap instruction focuses on rhythm, coordination, and musicality with faculty trained by Broadway professionals. Classes incorporate historical techniques and modern styles, preparing students for competitions and performance opportunities in both traditional and contemporary tap formats.
Musical Theatre
This program integrates dance, acting, and singing through Broadway-style choreography. Students develop performance skills through annual productions and summer camps, working with directors who have extensive theater experience and industry connections in professional theater circuits.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs offer immersive training in multiple dance styles with master classes and technique workshops. Participants receive personalized instruction from guest artists and company directors, focusing on skill development and performance preparation in a collaborative, creative environment.
Competition Team
This elite program challenges dancers with advanced choreography and technical training. Members participate in 3-4 annual competitions while engaging in community service performances, combining artistic excellence with social responsibility through charity fundraising events and outreach programs.
People
Joan Christensen
Executive Artistic Director
50 years of dance experience, including 40 years as director of Joan Lynn Dance Company. Former assistant teacher at Ronnies Dance Workshop and principal choreographer for Whitney Players theater productions.
David Christensen
Associate Artistic Director
Director of Tap and Musical Theatre since 2012 with BFA in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory. Featured dancer at Broadway Dance Center and choreographer for national theater productions.
Amber Richetelli
Dance Instructor
B.S. in Dance Education from Hofstra University. Specializes in ballet, tap, and contemporary. Recipient of New York State Dance Education Association Undergraduate Award and former integrated dance class instructor.
Laura D'Amato Russo
Ballet Instructor
Trained at Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory and under American Ballet Theater. Former Ballet Mistress at New Haven Ballet with professional performance experience in classical and contemporary repertoires.
Tammi Wells
Assistant Artistic Director
23 years teaching experience with background in child development from New Haven Public Schools. Creates contemporary and lyrical pieces that integrate social themes into dance education.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children starting at age 2 through adult learners, with specialized programs for different skill levels.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our Competition Team provides advanced training with 3-4 annual competitions and additional performance opportunities.
Are there performance opportunities beyond regular classes?
We present annual productions like Nutcracker 6.0 and organize community charity performances throughout the year.
What dance styles are available at your studio?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, modern, acro, and musical theatre dance styles.
Do you have summer dance programs available?
Our summer intensives include technical training, choreography workshops, and musical theatre camps for all skill levels.
How does the studio support community involvement?
Our dancers participate in charity events supporting veterans, battered women's shelters, and local families in need.
