Dance

DownStage Centre offers group dance classes for all ages and experience levels, from creative movement to technique-based styles. Looking for personalized attention? We also offer private dance lessons tailored to your individual goals—whether it’s refining technique, preparing for an audition, or simply dancing for the joy of it.

Dance We Offer

Stretch Class with Jo (aka Church)
Mondays and Fridays beginning at 12:10 PM and running until 1:30 PM
This class blends dance-based warm-ups, deep stretching, and mindful breathwork in a room set with dimmed lights and gentle heat to encourage muscle relaxation. Longtime attendees lovingly refer to this class as “church”—but don’t worry, there’s no sermon, no pews, and absolutely no judgment (except maybe from your hamstrings). It’s not about religion; it’s about showing up for yourself, breathing together, moving together, and feeling something bigger than just a good stretch (though, trust us, the stretches are really good). Between the dim lights, sweeping music, and deep, collective exhales, it somehow becomes more than just a flexibility class—it’s an experience, a ritual, a reset button for your body and mind. Come once, and you’ll get it. Keep coming, and you might just start calling it “church,” too.
We offer a variety of classes in various dance styles in the form of group classes. These classes happen at different times throughout the month. Keep an eye out for these pop up classes or message us at info@downstagec.com
Private dance instruction is a great way to meet your specific dance needs. Our instructor, Jess, will meet you where you are at and help you meet your dance goals.

Meet your instructor

Jess Clarke began her dance career when she was 3 years old. She grew up dancing all styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. At the age of 6 she joined company and competed until she graduated in 2016. Jess attended the University of New Hampshire after graduating high school. At UNH, Jess was on the Jazz, Tap and Aerial company and was co-captain of the company her senior year. During college she began teaching recreational and competitive classes. In 2020, Jess graduated with a major in Human Development and Family Studies with minors in Psychology and Dance. Since college, Jess has continued to teach competitive dances, winning overall placements, high scores, special awards and more. Jess enjoys watching all of her students dance on stage and making memories with each other. She is excited to be joining the DSC family and share her knowledge and love for dance with many more dancers to come!