Massari-Wood Dance Center

- 1070 Graysville Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Introduction / Overview

For over 40 years, Massari-Wood Dance Center has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Chattanooga, Tennessee, providing exceptional dance education for students of all ages. More than just a place to learn dance, it is a positive and uplifting environment where a love for ballet and other dance forms is cultivated. The center is renowned for its syllabus-based training, which provides a strong, classically-based foundation for its dancers. This emphasis on proper technique is what builds strong, well-rounded artists who can easily adapt to various dance genres. The studio is a place where you can find young dancers buzzing with excitement before class, and where you may even see a professional dancer rehearsing for a production. Massari-Wood Dance Center is a unique and vibrant space that fosters a deep appreciation for the arts, with a mission to not only produce beautiful dancers but to "light the spark" that gives students a love of dance that will last a lifetime. The center is also the home of the Civic Ballet of Chattanooga, giving students the opportunity to be part of a professional company and perform in major productions like the beloved annual Nutcracker. Whether you are a parent looking for a fun class for your child, a teenager serious about training, or an adult who wants to rediscover a passion for ballet, Massari-Wood Dance Center offers a welcoming and supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Location and Accessibility

Massari-Wood Dance Center is conveniently located in the East Brainerd/Graysville Road area of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The address is 1070 Graysville Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA. Situated in the rear of the East Brainerd/Graysville Road Family Shopping Center, the studio is in a familiar and easy-to-find location for residents throughout the city and surrounding communities. The center is committed to being an inclusive space, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can visit and participate without any barriers. The parking is ample, which is a significant convenience for parents and students during busy class schedules. The studio's physical space is cheerful and expansive, with three dedicated studios for classes and rehearsals. This allows for multiple classes to run simultaneously and provides a professional environment for dancers to train. The location’s practicality, combined with the professional and well-maintained facilities, makes Massari-Wood Dance Center a top choice for families seeking both quality and convenience. Its presence in a well-established shopping center also makes it a central and easily accessible hub for the performing arts in the community.

Services Offered

Massari-Wood Dance Center provides a comprehensive and diverse range of dance programs and services tailored for all ages and skill levels. Their curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in classical dance while also exploring contemporary forms. Key services include:

• Children's Classes: A variety of programs for young dancers, including the "Music & Movement" program for 4-year-olds and "Pre-Ballet" for 5-year-olds.
• Youth Programs: A full curriculum of classes for children and teens, including ballet (Primary, Elementary, and Intermediate levels), jazz, tap, and modern dance.
• Adult Programs: A robust selection of classes designed specifically for adult dancers. This includes multiple levels of ballet (Adult Ballet 1, 2, and 3), Adult Jazz, and Adult/Teen Tap.
• Pointe Training: Specialized "Pointe" and "Pointe Conditioning" classes for advanced students and experienced adults who wish to work on their pointe technique.
• Summer Camps and Classes: Engaging summer programs and dance sessions that offer a great opportunity for students to improve their skills, explore different styles, and make new friends during the break.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are given the chance to perform in various productions, including the highly anticipated annual Nutcracker ballet, as well as other showcases.
• Private Instruction: One-on-one sessions are available for students who want personalized attention to improve their technique or work towards specific goals.
• Conditioning Workouts: Classes like "Yoga Flow" and specialized conditioning sessions help dancers build strength, flexibility, and control.

Features / Highlights

What truly makes Massari-Wood Dance Center a standout institution in the Chattanooga dance scene are its unique features and highlights that enhance the overall experience. These attributes are a primary reason for its long-standing reputation and popularity.

• Experienced and Nurturing Teachers: The instructors are highly praised for being amazing and for truly loving the art of ballet and dance. As a former student who returned as an adult noted, the teachers are warm, welcoming, and dedicated to helping students of all ages gain strength and confidence.
• Inclusive Adult Program: The studio’s commitment to adult dancers is a significant highlight. They offer a variety of classes designed for adults, whether they are returning to dance after many years or starting for the first time. The optional performance opportunities make it a low-pressure way to get involved.
• Strong Classical Foundation: The syllabus-based training with a strong focus on classical ballet and jazz provides a solid technical foundation that prepares dancers to be versatile and well-rounded artists.
• Inspiring Performance Opportunities: The affiliation with the Civic Ballet of Chattanooga offers students a chance to perform in professional productions like The Nutcracker, which can be an incredibly inspiring and motivating experience for both students and audience members.
• Positive and Uplifting Environment: The studio is celebrated as a "positive and uplifting place to dance." This welcoming atmosphere makes it a great space for dancers of all ages to feel comfortable and encouraged.
• Commitment to Lifelong Learning: The studio's philosophy is to "light the spark" and instill a love for dance that lasts a lifetime. This is evident in the number of former students who return to the studio as adults, continuing their dance journey.

Contact Information

For more information about classes, registration, or to inquire about the performing schedule, you can contact Massari-Wood Dance Center at the following details:

Address: 1070 Graysville Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA

Phone: (423) 894-1406

What is worth choosing

For anyone in Tennessee looking for a dance school that offers a perfect blend of professional training and a deeply supportive community, Massari-Wood Dance Center is an unparalleled choice. The fact that a former student loved it so much that they returned as an adult speaks volumes about the lasting positive impact of the studio. The experience of one adult student, who was inspired by a performance to take up ballet and found her teacher, Lisa, to be "warm and welcoming," beautifully illustrates the studio's commitment to all ages and skill levels. This inclusive approach sets it apart from other dance schools. The syllabus-based training ensures that every student, whether a child or an adult, is building a strong, proper foundation in dance, which is essential for long-term growth and injury prevention. The opportunity to participate in or witness high-caliber performances like the annual Nutcracker provides incredible inspiration and shows students the beautiful results of their hard work. The studio’s commitment to creating a positive and uplifting environment is a major reason for its loyal following. It's a place where dance is not just a skill to be learned but a beautiful art form to be loved and celebrated. Whether you are a parent seeking a high-quality, professional, and nurturing environment for your child, or an adult looking to fulfill a lifelong dream of dancing, Massari-Wood Dance Center provides a welcoming home where you will gain not only skills but also confidence, friendships, and a lifelong passion for dance. It's a truly worthwhile and exceptional choice for the Chattanooga community.

Massari-Wood Dance Center

1070 Graysville Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA