Centerstage Dance Academy Shows Off New Digs

Walking into the first thing one might notice is the large number of trophies lining the shelves. The second thing is just how friendly and unpretentious the people who work there are. In fact, Centerstage recently moved from Olney Street to Route 6 – in large part – to create a more welcoming atmosphere for their students. 

Centerstage, owned and operated by dancer-cum-choreographer Tina Vittorioso, opened 15 years ago and has been a beacon for children of all ages and dance levels ever since. 

“I have a strong, strong belief that kids need extracurricular activities,” Vittorioso said, “Dance builds self-esteem, keeps them out of trouble, helps them focus and teaches them about commitment.”

Vittorioso, who is certified by the National Dance Educators Organization, got hooked on dance at the age of 3 and went on to train with many notable instructors including JoJo Smith who is said to have been an important influence on his former student, famed choreographer Debbie Allen.

The studio offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop and pointe. Students run from 3 years of age into their late teens. Adult classes are also held from time to time when the need arises. Besides Vittorioso Centerstage has two other teachers, her daughter Allison and Brianna Boulanger, who takes five classes a week as a student.

“I just fell in love with dance as a kid,” Boulanger says. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s a good workout. Here I am fifteen years later.”

Vittorioso says her studio stands out from others  because students are taught to use the French terminology for all positions, and because it offers both competition level and recreational dance for all.

“I get a lot of students who have left other studios because they couldn’t take classes if they didn’t compete,” she says.

For those interested in seeing what Centerstage Dance Academy is all about an Open House will be held Sunday April 10 from 12 to 5 p.m. There will be performances, refreshments and a visit from some Disney princesses. They are located in the former home of Pilgrim E-Bikes at 1200 Fall River Avenue, in the plaza with Dunkin Donuts.