Safe Haven Ballet

- 200 Chase Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801

In the heart of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a truly remarkable organization is using the power of dance to inspire, uplift, and heal. Safe Haven Ballet is more than just a dance studio; it is a safe and artistically enriching environment founded with a profound mission to support survivors of sexual violence and trauma. While the studio is celebrated for its professional performances and world-class ballet education for all, its core purpose lies in providing free, trauma-sensitive ballet, movement, and art classes to those in need.

Founded by professional ballerina Lissa Curtis, Safe Haven Ballet was born from her own journey of healing from trauma. After finding that movement and artistic expression were vital components of her recovery, she was determined to offer the same opportunities to others. The studio operates on the belief that everyone, regardless of their background or past experiences, deserves a safe space to explore the healing power of movement. This unique mission makes Safe Haven Ballet a vital part of the New Hampshire community, blending artistic excellence with a deep commitment to social good.

In addition to its trauma-sensitive programs, the studio offers a wide array of classes for the public, catering to dancers from youth to adult and from beginner to intermediate. This dual focus allows the organization to create a financially sustainable model while remaining true to its charitable purpose. By training the next generation of dancers and inviting community members to engage with the art form, Safe Haven Ballet builds a community centered on respect, support, and the transformative power of ballet.

Safe Haven Ballet is located in Portsmouth, NH, at 200 Chase Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA. The studio is situated within the Connect Community Church building, providing a quiet and accessible location for students. Its position in the Seacoast region makes it a convenient destination for dancers coming from a variety of nearby towns.

The studio demonstrates its commitment to serving all members of the community by providing a wheelchair-accessible car park. This feature ensures that the facility is accessible to everyone, aligning with the inclusive philosophy that is central to the organization's mission.

Safe Haven Ballet offers a diverse range of dance and movement classes designed to meet the needs of all ages and skill levels, with a special emphasis on a trauma-informed approach.

• Trauma-Sensitive Classes: The cornerstone of the studio's mission is its free, trauma-sensitive classes for survivors of sexual violence and trauma. These classes, which can include ballet, movement, and art, are designed to be a safe, non-judgmental space where participants can reconnect with their bodies in a supportive environment. The studio also provides the option to speak with a HAVEN advocate during class, offering an additional layer of support.

• Youth Classes: Safe Haven Ballet provides a welcoming environment for young dancers. The studio is considered "Good for kids," with offerings such as ballet classes for various age groups and a fun "Princess Camp" for younger students. These classes are designed to introduce children to the joy of dance while building discipline and confidence.

• Adult Lessons: Recognizing that the love for dance can begin or be rekindled at any age, the studio offers a full range of adult classes. These include Adult Ballet for beginners and a variety of classes for intermediate dancers. The inclusive environment ensures that adults feel comfortable learning and growing, regardless of their prior experience.

• Beginner's and Intermediate Classes: The schedule includes structured classes for all skill levels, from Beginner Ballet to more advanced instruction. Whether you're taking your very first class or looking to build on existing skills, there is a class to fit your needs, with options for 30-minute classes to accommodate busy schedules.

• Performances and Productions: Safe Haven Ballet also serves as a professional dance company that produces uplifting and inspiring ballet-based performances for the community. These productions provide performance opportunities for students and professional dancers alike, sharing the art of ballet with a wider audience.

Safe Haven Ballet is distinguished by several unique features that make it a compelling choice for anyone in the New Hampshire area interested in dance.

• Unique Mission and Vision: The studio's commitment to providing free, trauma-sensitive classes for survivors sets it apart. This charitable mission is at the heart of the organization, making it a place of healing and social impact as much as it is a place of art.

• Professional Leadership: The studio is led by Lissa Curtis, a professional ballerina with extensive training from institutions like Boston Ballet and the University of New Hampshire. Her background in both dance and kinesiology, along with her personal advocacy work, brings a unique blend of professional expertise and compassionate understanding to her role.

• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: Safe Haven Ballet is a place for everyone. The studio's philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming dancers of all ages and levels. The trauma-informed approach ensures that the environment is always safe, supportive, and non-judgmental.

• Dual Business Model: The business model is a highlight, as it allows the studio to sustain its free programs for survivors through paid classes and community support. This creates a powerful synergy where students who pay for lessons are directly contributing to a vital community service.

• Flexible Class Structure: The studio offers a variety of classes to suit different schedules and preferences, including specialized classes and short-format options like the "30 Minute Class." This flexibility makes it easier for people to fit dance into their busy lives.

For more information about class schedules, programs, or to get involved with the Safe Haven Ballet community, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 200 Chase Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA

Phone: (603) 531-1918

For anyone in New Hampshire looking for a dance studio, Safe Haven Ballet offers a powerful and unique value proposition that goes beyond traditional dance education. The most compelling reason to choose this studio is its dual mission: providing world-class ballet instruction while simultaneously serving as a sanctuary for healing. When you enroll in a class at Safe Haven Ballet, you are not just investing in your own personal growth; you are directly supporting a vital community service that provides free, life-changing resources to survivors of trauma.

The quality of instruction is a major draw. Under the direction of a professional ballerina like Lissa Curtis, students receive top-tier training that is both technically sound and artistically inspiring. The classes are designed to be safe and supportive, ensuring that every student feels comfortable and empowered on their journey. This is a significant difference from other studios that may prioritize competition over a nurturing environment.

The inclusivity of the studio is also a key factor. Whether you are a youth taking your very first class, an adult returning to a long-lost passion, or a survivor seeking a path to healing through movement, Safe Haven Ballet provides a welcoming space for you. The studio’s commitment to being trauma-informed and its accessible facilities make it a truly open and accepting community. In essence, choosing Safe Haven Ballet means becoming a part of something bigger—a community that uses art to create positive change, one graceful step at a time.

Safe Haven Ballet

200 Chase Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA