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A little over two years ago, Tara Brown and Alexis Beffer serendipitously stumbled upon the listing for a former dance studio. A few months and a set of renovations later, Boston Dance Studios (BDS) was born. Our faculty and guest instructors teach over 15 different techniques and styles - with an emphasis on movement cultivated in the African diaspora and LGBTQ+ communities.

Boston Dance Studios offers quality dance education to movers of all skill levels - from hobbyists to professional dancers - and supports them in reaching their personal and career goals. In collaboration with community partners, we aim to close opportunity gaps in the dance industry; cultivate the often overlooked and undervalued artistic talent of Boston; and create stronger career pipelines.

In a landscape recovering from the shuttering of several dance studios during the COVID-19 pandemic, BDS serves as a vital resource to restore access to dance opportunities.

Since opening, we've proudly served over 5,700 people through classes, hosted over 50 guest artist workshops, launched three iterations of our Pre-Professional Program, and provided studio space to dozens of artists.

In the fall of 2024, BDS was approved for a $79,000 Cultural Facilities Fund Capital Grant to enhance studio infrastructure. With the support of this grant, we have big plans to renovate our space and enhance the studio experience for our dancers, faculty, staff, renters, and visitors.

In order to access the funds, we'll need to raise a matching amount. The sooner we reach $80k, the sooner we can begin construction. Our aim is to raise the match by the end of 2024 and we need your help to achieve this goal.

Would you consider making a gift to the $80k Campaign?

If you've already had a chance to support BDS, there are many other ways to get involved in the campaign. In addition to joining our fundraising team, you can attend our upcoming events, purchase merchandise, become a matching donor, and promote the campaign on social media. We'll be adding suggestions below and in our weekly newsletter throughout the campaign.

Photo Credit: Lea Sophia Productions

How It Started

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Before we dive into the pathways for you to engage in the $80k Campaign, we're taking you back to the beginning of BDS. Travel back in time to one of the first walkthroughs of the space that is now Boston Dance Studios. In this video, Founder and Executive Director Tara Brown takes us through the former Jeannette Neill Dance Studio: a hub for dance education in Boston from 1979-2017. Some of BDS' faculty grew up taking class at this very studio.

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Although some of the original infrastructure from Jeannette’s was in place at the beginning of our lease, an initial round of repairs and renovations were necessary to open to the public. Without funding to initiate and complete Phase 2 of this project, we’re encountering a variety of challenges in our daily operations: the Marley in Studio 1 is damaged; a number of mirrors are broken or missing panels; and our energy inefficient overhead lighting is slowly dying one bulb at a time.

How It's Going

After Phase 1 of renovations, BDS officially opened its doors on January 21, 2023. Check out a recap of our first two days class through this 1-minute reel.

Just six months after opening, we launched the Pre-Professional (Pre-Pro) Program. The only opportunity of its kind in the area, Pre-Pro equips participants with the necessary tools, resources, and industry knowledge to pursue professional dance opportunities. Listen to our inaugural cohort reflect on the impact of the program in the video below.

Here are some other stories our community has shared about their BDS experience:

“I’m so eternally grateful that BDS has opened and is encouraging all types of dance and movement styles to live under one home: street jazz, heels, hip hop, locking, house, contemporary. It’s rare to find a studio that fosters a holistic community in an inclusive and equitable way, while also focused on rigorous training and quality dancing.”

“I first learned about Boston Dance Studios through Instagram and signed up for my first ever heels class and NBA prostyle dancing on grand opening weekend. It was nerve-wracking before I entered the studio, I almost didn’t go in. As soon as I stepped thorough to the studio I was treated with kindness and acceptance… After taking these classes it is clear to me the environment of Boston Dance Studios is built on creating a community of dancers who build each other up.”

“Zay brings something new and refreshing each time! Although the choreo is always a push, the vibes of the classroom is always immaculate and very relaxing. Zay’s choreos tend to focus more sharp/ clean movements, so I’m always happy to train on that.”

“WTF classes are great for the soul and upbeat. There is plenty of time to learn and breakdown steps. I enjoy learning new styles from different instructors.”

“If you like popping, or an experienced popper who want to improve freestyling for cyphers and battles, Megaton is here to TRAIN just that! I walk out of each session with something new to practice on every time!”

What's Next?

With your support and the matching Cultural Facilities Fund grant, we'll launch our second round of renovations. Updates and repairs for our three studios, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and reception area will facilitate our ability to offer safe, comfortable, and quality access to dance space, training, and community. Having access to funding for essential facilities projects will free up space and resources to invest in our programs, workshops, classes, and community partnerships.

How You Can Help

Compete in or Attend the Winter Popping Competition

On December 14th, join us for a day to remember as some of New England's most talented poppers battle it out in a bracket style competition. Click the "Tickets & Donate" button to register to compete or to secure your general admission ticket. The day will include a live DJ, Slaughterhouse and BDS giveaways, and a showcase of stellar talent.

Make a Match

Join the donors who made our Kickstart the K and Giving Tuesday matches possible. With your support, donors during select time frames of our fundraising campaign will be able to double, triple, or quadruple their gifts. Fill out this form to learn more.

Join Team $80K

As a team member, you will set a personal fundraising goal of at least $100 and invite others to support BDS. Click here or scroll up to Team Members and click the white and blue Fundraise button to get started.
The team members who raise the most money or engage the largest number of supports will enter into a drawing for BDS giveaways. Team members must reach or surpass their $100 goal to qualify for this opportunity.

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Be a Social Media Champion

Share Our Campaign Announcement: Share our campaign announcement with three friends.
React to Posts: Amplify current and future posts about the fundraiser with likes and comments.
Add to Your Story: Spread the word about this initiative by sharing campaign updates to your story.

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Past $80k Events

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the November 9th Fall Showcase! The love for our 44 performers was palpable in the packed house. With your ticket purchases and donations, the showcase raised $1,635. Your generous contributions pushed our campaign total over $6,000. 🎉

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Banners Kitchen & Tap Gift Card