Dance Complex

The Dance Complex is a 30+ year old central hub for dance in Central Square, Cambridge, housed in a distinctive 1884-circa Odd Fellow's Hall. The five-storey building hosts professional, pre-professional, and recreational movers across a range of levels. Daily classes span over two dozen diverse genres of dance, workshops, and festivals for all ages. The studio offers studio space for rent at affordable rates, underpinned by an artist-centric model that keeps class fees below local and national norms.

The building itself is noteworthy. Originally constructed as meeting rooms for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1884 and designed by Boston architects Hartwell and Richardson, it became the Joy of Movement fitness center in 1973. When that entity closed abruptly in 1991, founder Rozann Kraus and a group of local dance-makers negotiated with the City of Cambridge and lending institutions to preserve it as a dance center. The Dance Complex now operates its own building, which underwent a multi-million dollar historical renovation.

The facility includes two theatre spaces: the ground-level Julie Ince Thompson Theater (Studio 1), an intimate loft-style performance space named for the late Boston-based dance-maker, and a ground-level lobby area used for informal performances. Studio 7 is at street level. Additional studios occupy the upper floors. The complex hosts over 100 concerts a year in its theatre and studios, alongside seasonal festivals. A Community Ambassador program of 50 volunteers keeps the building running and offers participants free dance classes or rehearsal time in exchange for front-desk and maintenance work.

The Dance Complex welcomes heritage dances from Africa, the Middle East, South America, and the diaspora alongside contemporary work. All In Movement, a lens embedded in the studio's performance programming, aims to make dance accessible regardless of class, race, ability, age, or orientation. The studio participates in Card to Culture, offering EBT, WIC, and DTA cardholders a half-price Basic Membership ($12.50 per year). It is also part of the SocialRx network, connecting arts engagement to mental health support.

Access is straightforward: the studio sits one minute's walk from the Central Square Red Line stop and is served by buses 1, 47, 64, 70, 83, and 91. Ground-level Studio 7 and second-floor Studio 1 are ADA compliant; a motorised lift serves the second floor, though there is no building elevator. The remaining five studios are accessed by stairs. Metered street parking is available nearby; the studio recommends Green Street Garage for lot parking. Public parking is also available at Cambridge Municipal Lots 4, 5, and 6.

You'll find a welcoming, artist-run space in a historic building in the heart of Central Square. Classes span numerous dance genres at all levels. The ground floor and second floor are ADA accessible, with a motorised lift connecting them. Over 100 performances and events run each year.

The Dance Complex is staffed by professional artists and arts administrators, resident companies, and renowned teaching artists. Faculty and resident artists include world-renowned teachers and dance-makers. The studio maintains a tradition of mentoring through Shared Choreographers' Concerts.

The studio hosts recreational, pre-professional, and professional movers and welcomes all who want to dance or move; no prior experience is required.