About The Dance Factory
The Dance Factory is a vibrant, inclusive dance studio located in downtown Springfield, VT, next to the Springfield Town Library. Off-street parking is available in the adjacent lot.
Both of our renovated studios offer natural light, high ceilings, and professional dance floors. We have multiple private bathrooms and changing areas for the safety and convenience of our students. Caregivers can relax during class time in our comfortable waiting room or venture out to nearby Springfield Co-op, Black River Coffee Bar, or Comtu Cascade Park.
The Dance Factory offers classes for ages three to adult in ballet, pointe, modern, creative movement, jazz, hip hop, tap, yoga, acro, aerial yoga, and music and movement. We have three 10-week sessions during the school year and offer mini-sessions and ongoing ballet and yoga classes each summer.
Our students have multiple opportunities to perform including our Spring Recital in May, our December performance of The Nutcracker, and various events throughout the year with our community partners.
Dance Factory History
The Dance Factory was founded in 1984 by Susan Hagan. The name was a nod to the studio’s original location in the former Fellows Gear Shaper factory at 100 River Street.
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The Dance Factory initially offered classes in ballet, tap, and jazz. The first teacher Susan brought on was Kate Frizzell-DeRosia, who taught preschool and youth ballet.
Having built up a strong group of student ballet dancers, the Dance Factory staged their first full-length production of The Nutcracker in 1991. The cherished annual event has now delighted local audiences for over 30 years, while raising funds for arts programs in Springfield, VT district schools.
In 2006, following the sale of the original factory building, the Dance Factory moved to its current location at 59 Main Street. Shortly, Ashley Hensel-Browning came on board and launched programs in modern and hip hop.
In 2015, Kate Frizzell-DeRosia assumed ownership of The Dance Factory. Teacher Ashley Hensel-Browning was appointed director of The Nutcracker.
The Dance Factory has grown to include a passionate team of experienced and qualified instructors.