Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Ludlow, MA
At Dick Barker School of Dance, we have dedicated ourselves to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where dancers of all ages and skill levels can explore their passion for dance. Since our founding in 1959, we have fostered a sense of community and family, encouraging personal growth, creativity, and confidence in each of our students. Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of dance through engaging recreational programs that emphasize joy, excellence, and tradition. With over six decades of experience, we have built a legacy of excellence, guided by directors who have trained with us for decades and continue to uphold our core values of community, passion, family, excellence, fun, growth, tradition, and respect. Our team of experienced instructors brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having trained at prestigious institutions and participated in professional workshops.We offer a diverse range of classes tailored to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that every student receives personalized attention and opportunities for development. Our commitment to quality instruction is reflected in our structured curriculum, which balances technical training with creative expression. We pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive atmosphere where students feel empowered to achieve their goals. Through annual recitals, summer camps, and community events, we provide platforms for our students to showcase their talents and build lasting connections. Our dedication to continuous improvement ensures that we remain a trusted home for recreational dance in Ludlow and beyond.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Musical Theatre
Zumba Fitness
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of dance education expertise in Ludlow, MA
- Our instructors include certified Zumba professionals and Broadway-style coaches
- Family-owned tradition with three generations of leadership
- Multi-class and multi-student discount programs available
- Annual recitals and summer camps for performance opportunities
What people say
Amazing instructors
Supportive community
Professional facilities
Excellent curriculum
Great recitals
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet instruction for ages 3+ with progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Focus on technique, posture, and musicality through barre work and center combinations. Classes follow traditional methods while incorporating creative teaching approaches for all skill levels.
Zumba Fitness
High-energy fitness classes combining dance and aerobic movements. No prior experience required with options for all fitness levels. Certified instructors lead sessions set to Latin and international music rhythms for calorie-burning workouts.
Musical Theatre
Comprehensive training in singing, dancing, and acting techniques. Students learn Broadway-style choreography and character development with performance opportunities in annual productions. Includes Fosse technique and character shoe training for advanced students.
Summer Camp
Week-long immersive programs combining dance, acting, and singing with field trips and creative activities. Culminates in Friday showcase performances for family and friends. No experience required with professional instruction from theatre degree holders.
Private Lessons
Personalized dance instruction tailored to individual goals and skill levels. Available in all styles with focus on technique refinement, competition preparation, or personal development. Flexible scheduling options for students seeking dedicated attention.
People
Jenna Alimberti
Owner/Director
Jenna trained at the school for 30+ years and holds a Chemistry degree from Mount Holyoke College. She combines scientific precision with dance expertise, teaching multiple styles and attending NYC workshops annually. Also serves as Worcester Police Department Lab Director.
Casey Banville
Teacher/Choreographer
Musical Theatre graduate from Dean College with professional performance experience in Legally Blonde and Catch Me if You Can. Trained in multiple dance styles and brings Broadway expertise to classroom instruction.
Ana Brown
Zumba Instructor
Licensed Zumba instructor since 2018 with 25+ years dance experience. Combines fitness expertise as Certified Nursing Assistant with energetic workout sessions. Specializes in making dance fitness accessible to all skill levels.
Deborah Bednarz
Administrative Assistant
Former owner with 40+ years institutional knowledge. Directed studio from 1988-2018 while organizing community outreach programs. Provides continuity as 'Hostess with the Mostess' in administrative role.
Patricia Doty
Administrative Assistant
30+ year dance parent and former reading specialist. Brings educational expertise and organizational skills to administrative operations. Enjoys cooking, fitness, and travel while supporting studio logistics.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, and Zumba fitness classes for all ages and skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual recitals in June and summer camp showcases with professional lighting and costumes.
Do you have beginner classes?
Our pre-ballet class for ages 3-5 and Zumba fitness require no experience. Instructors accommodate all skill levels in regular classes.
What are your summer programs?
Our Musical Theatre Summer Camp runs June-August with daily activities, field trips, and Friday showcases for ages 6+.
How do I register?
Register through our online payment system or contact us directly. New students can start with our liability waiver form.
What are your class rates?
Group classes start at $55/month with discounts for multiple classes or family members. Zumba class cards available.
