Arts at the Armory
Historic arts venue in Somerville hosting 750+ events yearly across dance
Arts at the Armory is a non-profit cultural center housed in a historic Armory building in Somerville, serving Greater Boston.
Before your first class
The Strummerville Ukulele Club is explicitly open to "all levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned hands."
Jerry Birthday Dance Party: $18 advance, $25 at door.
About this studio
Arts at the Armory is a non-profit cultural center housed in a historic Armory building in Somerville, serving Greater Boston. The organization operates the Performance Hall, ROOTED Armory Cafe, and The Lavender Room, hosting 750+ events each year across disciplines including music, dance, theater, literary arts, visual arts, film, circus, and comedy.
The venue runs five signature programs: the Spotlight Series, the Performance Opportunity Program (POP), the Feet Keep the Beat Percussive Dance Festival, the Somerville Winter Farmers Market, and ROOTED Armory Cafe Visual Arts Exhibitions. Dance offerings include weekly West Coast Swing Training classes (Mondays, 7:00–10:00 pm in the Cafe), the Feet Keep the Beat Community Dance Workshop featuring Kathak taught by Ariaki Dandawate, the Boston Tap Party Showcase, Kids Bollywood Dance Class hosted by Chandni Desai, GottaBal! Dance (a monthly DJ'd Balboa dance event), and the annual Feet Keep the Beat Festival Showcase celebrating percussive dance forms including flamenco, tap, and West African dance.
Both the Performance Hall and Cafe are available for private rentals, including weddings, parties, conferences, and meetings. The ROOTED Armory Cafe serves a full menu including beer, wine, espresso drinks, smoothies, breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and locally sourced specialty products. The venue provides free and accessibly priced spaces to performing arts, cultural, and community groups throughout Greater Boston.
The historic Armory was built in 1903 to house the Somerville Light Infantry of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia and later the Massachusetts National Guard. After decades of vacancy, it was purchased in 2004 and completely restored, reopening as a community arts center in 2008. Arts at the Armory became the anchor tenant, operating the main hall and Cafe since then. The building was acquired by the City of Somerville through eminent domain in June 2021.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll find a bustling historic venue with a full events calendar. On any given week there are dance classes, live music, theater, comedy, and community events. The Performance Hall hosts larger productions while the Cafe offers intimate shows and workshops alongside food and drink.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Chandni Desai teaches Kids Bollywood Dance Class; Ariaki Dandawate teaches Kathak as part of the Feet Keep the Beat Community Dance Workshop. West Coast Swing Training is offered weekly.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The Strummerville Ukulele Club is explicitly open to "all levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned hands."
Studio history
The Armory was built in 1903 by George A. Moore to house the Somerville Light Infantry of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia and later the Massachusetts National Guard. From approximately 1975–2004 it largely sat vacant. Joseph and Nabil Sater, owners of the Middle East music club in Central Square, purchased it in April 2004 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for $2.6 million, partnering with Highland Realty Trust and later Alan Carrier. Award-winning architects Single Speed Design oversaw the complete restoration and code compliance. The building reopened as a community arts center in 2008, with Arts at the Armory as the anchor tenant operating the Performance Hall and Cafe. The City of Somerville acquired it through eminent domain in June 2021.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Not yet published on LODance
Check the About section above for the days and times Arts at the Armory has shared. A bookable schedule has not been published on LODance yet.
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Frequently asked about Arts at the Armory
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Arts at the Armory teach?
Arts at the Armory teaches West Coast Swing, Bollywood Dance, Kathak, Tap, Flamenco, West African dance and 1 more.
Where is Arts at the Armory located?
Arts at the Armory is located in Boston, MA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Arts at the Armory offer private lessons?
Contact Arts at the Armory directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Arts at the Armory teach kids and adults?
Contact Arts at the Armory directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at Arts at the Armory?
Sign up through Arts at the Armory's website, or contact the studio directly.
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Upcoming opportunities
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