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MAC Dance Academy

MAC Dance Academy is a classically taught dance studio that fosters individuality and fun for all dancers.

This low-key, low-cost program provides extraordinary dance instruction in ballet, tap, and jazz, and also touches on contemporary, hip-hop, and gymnastics — all in a safe, fun learning environment.

To sign up for receive announcements about scheduling and new classes, please email info@marionartcenter.org with "MAC Dance" in the subject line.

Interested in trying out the Dance Academy, but not sure if your child will enjoy it? The MAC offers a FREE trial on the first day of classes, subject to availability. Come see what it’s all about! Please call (508) 748-1266 to find out more or to schedule a trial class. Want to register after classes have started? We'll gladly prorate the session!

MAC Dance Academy runs based on the number of enrolled students, and fees are nonrefundable after the first class is less than two weeks away. In any case where the MAC or the instructor(s) must cancel some classes or a full session, the MAC will refund the cost of any remaining sessions, minus any discounts or special offers.

Please note: Current MAC membership at the Family level (or above) is required for discounted Dance Academy tuition. If you are uncertain if your membership is current, please call the MAC at (508) 748-1266
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Students will be placed in classes based on approximate age. (Group age range is flexible.) No previous dance experience is required for any age group.

MAC Dance Academy runs during the school year with five, eight, or ten week sessions depending on the season. Classes do not meet on holidays or ORR district school vacation days or snow days. ORR school district will also cancel dance class. If someone is unable to make a class there will be a substitute or class will be canceled via email. Please make sure you are checking your spam.

Classes, age groups, and schedule subject to change or cancellation based on enrollment.

FALL 2024 Schedule

PRESCHOOL (ages 3-5)
Mondays, 4:30-5:00pm (10 classes, 30 minutes each)
$205 MAC members, $235 nonmembers

BEGINNER (ages 5-8)
Mondays, 5:00-5:45pm (10 classes, 45 minutes each)
$295 MAC members, $345 nonmembers

INTERMEDIATE (ages 8-10)
Mondays, 5:45-6:30pm (10 classes, 45 minutes each)
$295 MAC members, $345 nonmembers

Class Descriptions

Music & Movement
Our early childhood Music & Movement class is designed to get kids up and moving and having fun. During the toddler and preschool stages, children develop their fine and gross motor skills. By teaching music and movement to preschoolers, we can make them more aware of their bodies and begin to teach spatial awareness. Our preschool music programs include a variety of songs that inspire movement. Preschoolers develop the essential gross and fine motor skills through fun and educational music and movement activities! Ballet slippers are required. No tap shoes necessary.

Preschool dance class is designed as an introduction to ballet, tap, and basic mat work, with a heavy focus on movement and music. It is very free form, and some children will follow along and participate while others will play and dance around on their own and that is OKAY. This class is supposed to be EXPLORATORY and FUN. Leotard, tights, ballet slippers, and tap shoes are required.

Beginner dance classes are designed for children ready to explore ballet, tap, and basic tumbling skills in a structured way. There will be weekly lessons in classical dance instruction, but still lots of fun games and activities each week. Leotard, tights, ballet slippers and tap shoes are required.

Intermediate dance class has been designed for the student ready to focus their skills on ballet and tap with some exploratory lessons some weeks in jazz and tumbling. Leotard, convertible tights, ballet slippers and tap shoes are required.

2024-2025 Schedule
Classes Meet on Mondays

Fall 2024 - 10 Classes
September 16
September 23
September 30
October 7
NO classes Oct. 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
NO classes Nov. 11
November 18
November 25
December 9

Winter 2025 - 5 classes
January 27
February 3
February 10
NO classes Feb. 17
February 24
March 3

Spring 2025 - 10 classes
March 24
March 31
April 7
April 14
NO classes April 21
April 28
May 5
May 12
May 19
NO classes May 26
June 2
June 9

Attire

Girls: plain, long-sleeved,  black leotards , pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and black tap shoes. A ballet skirt is optional. Hair should always be pulled back.
Boys: black pants, black tee shirt, and black ballet slippers and tap shoes.

Most tap shoes now come with elastic straps. Please purchase these if possible. Otherwise, please replace the ribbon with black elastic to make it easier for students to change from ballet to tap shoes; Lisa at Body and Sole Dance Supply [link] (331 State Road, N. Dartmouth) has a list of everything needed for MAC dancers.

Musical Theater: Anything that is comfortable to move in.

Most tap shoes now come with elastic straps or velcro. Please purchase these if possible. Otherwise, please replace the ribbon with black elastic to make it easier for students to change from ballet to tap shoes. Pink ballet slippers can be tied in a knot at the front and trim off the excess elastic.

Scheduling

Any school cancellations in the ORR school district will also cancel dance class. If Miss Tess is unable to make a class there will be a substitute or class will be cancelled via email.

About the Instructors

Tess Hedblom is a classically taught dancer specializing in ballet, tap, jazz,  and lyrical. She has taught children to dance in a variety of different environments including dance studios, public schools, and summer programs. Tess has over 25 years of dance experience. When she’s not dancing, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and spending time on her family’s farm.

Teah Keogh is a classically taught dancer specializing in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and gymnastics. Teah has been teaching dance since the age of 17 and started the MAC Dance Academy in 2005. After a short stint in Denver and a brief hiatus in 2022, “Miss Teah” was back at MAC to educate the future dancers of the Tri-Town.

Registration

The registration form will not be open over the weekend when the MAC is closed. If you'd like to register over the weekend, please reach out to Instructor Tess Hedblom directly at tehiller@gmail.com. We welcome late registrations!