While most dance studios focus their attention on children’s and teens’ classes, offering the occasional adult class, usually of very mixed experience and ability levels, at The Studio our edge is our dedication to and understanding of adults’ busy schedules and specific needs. The Studio is as much a haven as a place to learn, explore, and exercise.
Unlike at other schools, adult students are our priority, not an afterthought. Our students do not share the space with toddlers, grade school or high school students, so they are free to enjoy their dance experience without distraction. Since our classes are open to adults 18 and over, our classes do not mix adults with high school students as other studios do. When adults take classes at child-focused studios, they can feel like second class citizens, offered one or two classes late in the evening and rarely if ever on the weekend. They can also feel out of place, having to endure childish behaviors, giggles, or whispers.
At The Studio, our students are our focus, not the end-of-the-year recital; we are not priming students for a company or audition; there is no intimidation or competition and no vying for a spot in the “company hierarchy.” Our ongoing adult classes allow students to focus more on the
process than the final product.
Our Mission
Our mission at The Studio is to awaken students to the many physical, intellectual, and social benefits of dance. Whether you are new to dance or a particular style, returning to dance after an extended absence, or looking to supplement your regular fitness routine, The Studio offers a fresh, innovative way to attend to the mind, body, and spirit, relieve stress, and meet new people.
The Studio is dedicated to bringing convenient, affordable, quality instruction to Boston’s dance enthusiasts. Boston already supports a very active dance community. However, until now there has not been an actual dance studio dedicated exclusively to adults, where they can learn a variety of dance styles, get a full-body workout, and enjoy being with other people of like interests. Our goal is to attract members of the existing dance community and invite adults new to dance to reap the many benefits of this dynamic art form.
Our Programs
At The Studio, we provide options for all levels of interest and ability by offering classes at varying levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner to advanced, as well as private and semi-private lessons which focus specifically on alignment, technique, and choreography. We pride ourselves on showing appropriate respect for adults' specific needs while encouraging the childlike curiosity and enthusiasm that dance awakens in students of all ages.
Our Facilities
Our newly constructed facilities feature an inviting reception area and lounge, a private dressing room with two restrooms, and of course, our beautiful multipurpose studio. The dance space features a “Marley-style” non-slip dance surface over a supportive sprung floor that provides excellent cushioning as students dance, protecting their ankles, knees, and backs. Wall-mounted ballet barres line one side of the room, while large mirrors on the opposite wall allow students to correct their posture and maintain proper alignment. Natural light shines through a wall of frosted glass windows, and our air conditioning system keeps students comfortable year round.
Why Dance?
Dance’s recent surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors, from celebrity, professional, and amateur dance competition shows, to the mind-body approach to wellness as found in such disciplines as Yoga and Pilates. Like Yoga and Pilates classes that have become popular over the past several years, dance classes offer a different approach to fitness and an interesting alternative or supplement to the typical gym-based workout routine. Dance helps tone the body by building long, lean muscles, improves flexibility, coordination, and stamina, and relieves tension.
Why Us?
Our Format
Dance classes are appearing everywhere, but we pride ourselves
on our unique ability to cater to the adult student’s particular needs,
including convenience, quality, flexibility, and competitive pricing. For example,
some gyms offer yoga and Pilates classes, as well as cardio-funk and
hip-hop-inspired classes, but require membership, charge monthly dues and often
high initiation fees. The Studio offers a convenient “pay as you go” pricing
structure; we also offer a discounted rate for purchasing a 10-class card. For people who like the idea of committing to an extended
series, seeing familiar faces from week to week, having your spot
reserved in advance, and making noticeable progress, we also offer 6-week sessions.
Our schedule also includes a variety of styles and levels at convenient times for working professionals, college and graduate students. Our goal is to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. We want to make it easy for you to come in and dance as often as you'd like. To this end, we offer “no strings” service. We do not require advanced registration or session tuition payments, and we do not charge additional or hidden fees.
Biographies
Sue Kunicka, Owner and Director
Performing as a principal dancer in her studio’s company held the obvious thrills, but teaching has been Sue's true passion since she began her apprenticeship in high school. After completing Boston College’s Graduate Program, she began teaching Dance to kindergarten, primary, and elementary school students at Boston Renaissance Charter Public School. At this time, Sue began teaching adult education classes at Brookline Adult & Community Education and Boston Center for Adult Education, where she discovered the joys of teaching in an adults-only environment.
Adult learners bring curiosity and enthusiasm to the classroom because they are in class voluntarily. They are not taking the class as a prerequisite, but as an end in itself: to try something new, expand on their prior education, or deepen their understanding of a particular interest. Her adult education teaching experience inspired Sue to open The Studio, where students could begin or continue their dance education, get a full-body workout, relieve stress, and meet new people in a place dedicated exclusively to adults.
For more instructors' bios, click their names next to their classes in our Mindbody online scheduler.