For a quarter of a century, All That Jazz has been a vibrant hub for dance enthusiasts. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary season, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the journey that began in the fall of 1998. Many of you are searching for “Jazz Dance Classes Near Me,” and we want to share the story of how All That Jazz became the welcoming and inspiring studio it is today, right here in your neighborhood.
Growing up in Newton, with cherished memories of Claflin, Peirce, Day, and Newton North schools, my childhood was filled with dance. From a young age, I dreamt of creating my own dance studio. My senior yearbook quote, borrowed from A Chorus Line – “All I ever needed was the music and the mirror and the chance to dance for you!” – truly encapsulates this lifelong passion. After graduating from Bowdoin College in Maine in 1995, returning to Newton felt like the natural step to turn that dream into reality.
The vision was clear: to cultivate a dance community built on positivity and inclusivity. My own childhood dance experiences, while fostering a deep love for the art form, were not always supportive. Too often, dance class ended in tears. This personal experience fueled a determination to create something different. From day one, All That Jazz was envisioned as a safe and nurturing space, an escape from the pressures of daily life where young dancers could thrive.
It truly doesn’t matter if a child aspires to a professional dance career, collegiate dance programs, or simply seeks a joyful hour of movement each week. At All That Jazz, every child is valued, encouraged, and empowered to pursue their individual dance aspirations. We pride ourselves on offering jazz dance classes near you that cater to all levels and passions.
My own daughter, Gabby, a graduate of last spring, embodies the All That Jazz journey. From age two through her senior year, I’ve watched her flourish within our studio. Now continuing her dance journey at Colby College, with plans to major in education and potentially minor in dance, her story is just one among thousands over the past 25 years. Witnessing her growth, and that of so many others, reinforces the importance of community in dance education.
Lucy Doyle, a proud All That Jazz alumna from the class of 2018 and Georgetown University class of 2022, beautifully articulated this impact in a recent blog post:
“Now, at the end of my junior year, I feel like I’ve securely reached a level of comfort in my communities on campus. The journey to finding those communities, however, has made me doubly grateful for All That Jazz. Having been there since I was five, I didn’t realize all the support, learning opportunities, and leadership lessons that Miss Deb and the other teachers gave their students alongside the dancing. Being a part of ATJ taught me what it’s like to be a part of a community that cares about your entire being, and I know I’ll continue to seek out supportive communities and mentors as I move to the next stage of my life, after graduation.”
As you search for “jazz dance classes near me,” consider joining the All That Jazz family. Our dedicated staff and I are deeply grateful that you are considering our dance studio for your child’s dance journey. We understand the responsibility that comes with this trust and are excited to embark on a truly special year filled with celebration, happiness, and countless opportunities to smile and have fun through dance! We invite you to explore our programs and discover the joy of jazz dance within a supportive and enriching community, right in your neighborhood.
