In cities rich with movement classes for adults, Dance Complex gathers good share of the gems

Taking class is a core tenet of a dancer’s training from the first time they set foot into a studio. Each week dozens of dance classes for adults are offered across Boston, many in Cambridge and Somerville.

Taking class is a core tenet of a dancer’s training from the first time they set foot into a studio. Although only a fraction of people who dance as children pursue the art professionally, taking class can continue into adulthood. Each week dozens of dance classes for adults are offered across Boston, many in Cambridge and Somerville.

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose where to spend your time (and money). Marina Villeneuve created the Substack and Instagram Dance Around Boston to help, inspired by her wish to keep dancing after a move to Massachusetts. “I’m a person who really enjoys making lists, so I started cultivating a roundup,” Villeneuve said. “Eventually I started sharing it.”

Each week she sends out a newsletter of more than 100 classes and posts a roundup on Instagram daily. “I love the community in the Boston dance scene, and if I can find one person find a new class to meet new people then I’ll be happy,” Villeneuve said.

Plenty of those take place at The Dance Complex in Cambridge’s Central Square. The five-story 1884 building, originally a meeting place for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was used for fitness and dance purposes until facing financial troubles in 1991, according to the Complex’s website. Local dancers came together to maintain the building as a dance center, creating a cornerstone of the community that offers education in styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, salsa, flamenco and belly dance.

The Thursday “Community Contemporary” class there is offered through an organization called The Click and taught by Angie Benitez. “I get a variety of skill levels,” Benitez said. “A successful class to me looks like everyone doing what they need to do to keep their bodies safe and comfortable. I also cultivate community in my class and create space for people to get to know the people they are sharing class with.”

Cambridge dance artist and arts administrator Anja Voges also values the community found in adult dance classes. Under the guidance of founder Jenny Oliver, Voges is a teacher-in-training for Modern Connections, which offers weekly modern classes in Somerville and Cambridge, including Saturday and Thursday sessions at The Dance Complex. Voges serves as a demonstrator in them, meaning participants can watch her through the class as Oliver uses her as an example when discussing what a specific position should look like.

“I also consider myself a class-taker,” Voges said, and the area provides ample opportunities for the benefits of classes. “As adults there are so few opportunities to one, be in your body; two, take time for yourself; and three, build community. Dance classes provide a space for all three.”

Voges was also a recent mentee in a “Midday Movement” series, which offers advanced weekly classes and opportunities for early to midcareer dancers to explore teaching. “My time with Midday allowed me to grow my roots in the Boston dance community,” Voges said. Her biggest piece of advice: Keep showing up and eventually you’ll find the spaces that are the right fit.