As we celebrate our 25th anniversary season at All That Jazz, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on our journey. For those searching for the perfect Dance Places Near Me, understanding our studio’s story reveals why we’ve been a beloved part of the community since 1998. I want to share the origins of All That Jazz and the values that make us stand out as a premier dance studio.
Growing up in Newton, dancing was my life. From Claflin to Peirce, Day, and finally Newton North, every step I took was filled with the dream of opening my own dance studio. My senior yearbook quote, “All I ever needed was the music and the mirror and the chance to dance for you!” from A Chorus Line, perfectly captured my passion. After graduating from Bowdoin College in 1995 and returning to Newton, I embarked on making that childhood dream a tangible reality: to create one of the best dance places near me.
Building All That Jazz from the ground up was an opportunity to cultivate a dance community based on my vision of supportive values. My own childhood dance experience, while filled with love for the art, lacked the positive environment I envisioned. Despite never participating in dance competitions, the atmosphere in my classes often felt critical and disheartening. Too many nights ended in tears, yet my deep passion for dance pushed me to persevere. This personal experience profoundly shaped my commitment to creating dance places near me that were fundamentally different.
From day one, I was determined that All That Jazz would foster a culture of positivity and inclusivity. My mission became creating a safe and nurturing haven for the next generation of dancers. All That Jazz is designed to be an escape from the pressures of competition, a place where kids can leave their daily stresses at the door. Whether a child aspires to a professional dance career, collegiate dance programs, or simply seeks an hour of joyful movement each week to age-appropriate music, every dancer is supported and encouraged to achieve their personal best. This philosophy is what truly sets us apart when you’re looking for dance places near me that prioritize individual growth and well-being.
The success stories from All That Jazz over the past 25 years are incredibly heartwarming. My daughter, Gabby, a recent graduate, embodies this journey. From age two through her high school senior year, I’ve watched her flourish within the All That Jazz community. She’s now continuing her dance journey at Colby College, planning to major in education and possibly minor in dance. Her upcoming first performance at Colby is a moment of immense pride. And Gabby’s story is just one of thousands. Lucy Doyle, a proud alumna of the All That Jazz class of 2018 and Georgetown University class of 2022, shared in a recent blog post about the lasting impact of our studio:
“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 dance places near me, consider joining our All That Jazz family. My staff and I are deeply grateful that you entrust us with your child’s dance education. We cherish this responsibility and are excited for a remarkable year filled with celebration, happiness, and countless opportunities to smile and have fun! We strive to be more than just a dance studio; we aim to be the heart of dance places near me that truly cares.
