Business Details
43 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Sturbridge, MA
Mass Motion Dance has been cultivating a nurturing and family-oriented environment for dance education since 1983. Founded by Terri Gordon, a former Boston Ballet and Tanz Forum performer, we emphasize technical excellence and artistic expression across multiple dance disciplines. Our three Massachusetts locations in Boston, Medfield, and Sturbridge offer programs for ages 2.5 to adults, including specialized training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and Irish step. With faculty members holding decades of professional and teaching experience, we combine structured technique with creative exploration to develop dancers' physical and mental discipline. Our studios feature professional-grade facilities, including sprung flooring and dedicated spaces for various dance styles.We maintain a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all students feel respected and supported in their artistic journey. Through annual performances and community engagement opportunities, we provide platforms for students to showcase their progress and connect with audiences. Our intensive training programs cater to pre-professional dancers seeking advanced development in technique and performance. With flexible registration options and a focus on accessibility, we strive to make dance education available to diverse communities across Massachusetts.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary Dance
Acro Training
Lyrical Classes
Irish Step
Modern Dance
Intensive Programs
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in dance education since 1983
- Our faculty includes internationally trained instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide age-appropriate classes for students aged 2.5 to adults
- We offer 8+ dance styles including ballet, hip hop, and Irish step
- Our studios feature professional-grade sprung flooring and dedicated dance spaces
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in classical technique, barre work, and center combinations. Students learn French terminology, proper alignment, and performance quality while building strength and flexibility. Classes cater to all levels from beginner to advanced pointe work, with specialized instruction for children, teens, and adults.
Hip Hop Workshops
These dynamic classes focus on street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Instructors emphasize rhythm, personal style development, and choreography while maintaining technical precision. Classes incorporate both foundational moves and contemporary trends for students seeking performance or competition preparation in urban dance forms.
Intensive Programs
Designed for serious dancers, our intensive programs offer 4-8+ hours weekly of technical training in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary. Students receive performance opportunities through winter concerts and community events while developing pedagogical knowledge and dance history understanding alongside their technical skills.
Acro Training
Acro classes combine dance technique with gymnastic elements to improve flexibility, strength, and spatial awareness. Students progress through skill levels focusing on cartwheels, handstands, limbers, and controlled movement sequences while maintaining proper body alignment and safety standards for dance applications.
Irish Step Dance
Our Irish step program teaches traditional techniques with modern performance elements. Students train in proper footwork patterns, posture, and rhythm while preparing for both recreational enjoyment and competitive opportunities. Classes include instruction in soft and hard shoe techniques with appropriate musical accompaniment.
People
Terri Gordon
Founding Owner/Director
Founder of Mass Motion Dance with over 40 years of experience. Former Boston Ballet and Tanz Forum performer. Holds teaching certifications from Dance Masters of America. Developed curriculum for Burncoat High School Arts Magnet program.
Irada Djelassi
Owner/Director
Co-owner of Boston and Medfield locations with BFA in Dance from University of Massachusetts. Former Co-Artistic Director of BoSoma Dance Company. Completed 200-hour yoga certification. Teaches across multiple dance styles and choreographs for university programs.
Alexis Murphy
Owner/Director
Co-owner of Medfield location with degrees in Dance and History from Hofstra University. Former performing artist with Doug Elkins and Friends. Developed teaching artist programs for EPIC Theatre Ensemble and continues to choreograph for university productions.
Rachel Lacasse
Assistant Director
Assistant Director of Boston location with Master's in Public Policy from Simmons University. Former research analyst with decade-long experience in higher education. Choreographer for Colleges of the Fenway Dance Project and Simmons Dance Company.
Shelbia Djelassi Spence
Co-Assistant Director
Co-Assistant Director at Sturbridge location. Founding member of BoSoma Dance Company. Former performer with Hip Hop ConnXion Chicago. Teaches across multiple locations while maintaining performance connections in Chicago and Boston dance communities.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, lyrical, Irish step, modern, and competition team training across all locations.
Do you have classes for different age groups?
Yes, we provide age-specific programs for children aged 2.5-5, elementary students, teens, and adult dancers at all skill levels.
What are your studio locations?
We operate three studios in Massachusetts: Boston (Brighton), Medfield, and Sturbridge, each with dedicated dance facilities.
Is there a dress code for classes?
Yes, we require specific attire for each dance style to ensure proper technique development and professional classroom environment.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Our students participate in annual recitals, winter concerts, and community performance events throughout the year.
What are your registration periods?
Summer registration begins February 1st and fall registration starts May 1st, with ongoing enrollment until class capacity is reached.
