Planet Dance
Children's dance studio in Lowell serving the community for over 21 years
Planet Dance Studio has served Lowell, Chelmsford, and surrounding towns for over 21 years, located at 210 Stedman Street on the Lowell/Chelmsford line.
Photo: Planet Dance via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes dancers of every skill level and offers recreational classes for beginners to build their dance foundation and progression.
About this studio
Planet Dance Studio has served Lowell, Chelmsford, and surrounding towns for over 21 years, located at 210 Stedman Street on the Lowell/Chelmsford line. Established in 2005, the studio is dedicated to providing quality dance and fitness education, fostering creativity, self-expression, and overall well-being through both recreational and competitive dance programs. Both programs culminate in a year-end recital and emphasize quality instruction, confidence, and a love of dance, though they differ in commitment level, training time, and intensity.
The studio is led by owner and director Joanne Idarraga, a choreographer with over 30 years of teaching experience. She began her career as one of the youngest ensemble members performing across New England under the direction of Debi Hanley, and continued training in the Boston area. Her choreography has won multiple awards on the competitive circuit, and her alumni have become professional dancers, choreographers, and dance and yoga instructors. Beyond dance, Joanne brings extensive credentials as a nationally certified fitness leader, nutrition counselor, personal trainer, and certified Hatha Yoga instructor, blending arts, connection, and wellness throughout the studio's programmes.
The faculty includes several senior instructors with deep regional roots. Janet Gilday serves as Ballet Director with over 40 years of innovative teaching in the Merrimack Valley area. She previously owned and operated the Janet Gilday School of Dance in Dracut, MA for 17 years, training hundreds of students who went on to perform professionally. She attended Boston Conservatory as a dance major and studied with Wayne Stuart of the Royal Academy of Ballet in England. Justine Silverio is Company Director and Choreographer, with over 20 years of dance experience and 10 years teaching. She trained at Broadway Dance Academy under Cindy Conley from age two, and continued her training in New York City at Broadway Dance Center in the Professional Semester program under artists including Shirlene Quigley, Dorit Koppel, and Emily Greenwell.
Kiley McDermott teaches acro and choreography, having danced since age 3 and competed from age 5, earning numerous national titles. She trained at the University of Central Florida as a member of the UCF Dance Team, competing at collegiate level through UDA (Universal Dance Association). As part of the 2025 team, she helped make history as UCF placed 3rd in the nation in the HipHop category, marking the highest placement in the programme's history. Laurel Barbosa is Company Choreographer and has been recognized regionally for her choreography and creativity. She began dancing at age 2, became Captain of the Merrimack College Dance Team during her senior year, and holds a Master's of Education in School Counseling. Alexis Cloutier started training at Planet Dance at age 3, was an honour student at Lowell Catholic High School with 3 years on the dance team, and is currently a Psychology student at Merrimack College. Mae McDuffie is a Planet Dance alumna with over 17 years of dance experience, formerly a Planet Dance comp team member and Chelmsford High School dance team member, now dancing with the Merrimack College Dance Team.
The studio occasionally hosts master classes and guest teachers throughout the dance season. Many current instructors have been part of the Planet Dance family for 20 years or more. Fall classes begin 14 September 2026. The studio offers recreational classes for all ages and levels, with students welcome to take any class on the Fall Schedule without an asterisk. Competition teams compete at regional and national levels around the New England area by invitation and audition. Summer Intensive is required for new and returning competition students. The studio fosters a strong sense of community and family where dancers connect, support each other, and share their love for dance.
What to expect
Your first visit
Fall classes begin 14 September 2026. The studio welcomes dancers of every skill level, from beginners to advanced, with recreational classes available for all ages and a separate competition track by invitation and audition. Both paths share quality instruction and a year-end recital performance.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio is led by owner Joanne Idarraga (30+ years teaching, certified fitness leader and yoga instructor, award-winning choreographer). Senior faculty include Janet Gilday (Ballet Director, 40+ years teaching, Boston Conservatory trained), Justine Silverio (Company Director, 20 years dancing, 10 years teaching, Broadway Dance Center trained), Kiley McDermott (Acro, UCF Dance Team), Laurel Barbosa (Company Choreographer, Merrimack College Dance Team Captain), Alexis Cloutier (former student, Merrimack College student), and Mae McDuffie (17+ years experience, Planet Dance alumna, Merrimack College Dance Team).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes dancers of every skill level and offers recreational classes for beginners to build their dance foundation and progression.
Studio history
Planet Dance Studio was established in 2005 and has served Lowell, Chelmsford, and surrounding towns for over 21 years. Owner Joanne Idarraga began her career as one of the youngest ensemble members performing across New England under Debi Hanley, then trained in the Boston area under various dance masters. Her award-winning choreography on the competitive circuit has launched alumni into professional dance, choreography, teaching, and yoga instruction careers.
Styles offered
3 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Planet Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Planet Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Planet Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Planet Dance teach?
Planet Dance teaches General, Ballet, Acro Dance. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Planet Dance located?
Planet Dance is located in Lowell, MA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Planet Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Planet Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Planet Dance teach kids and adults?
Planet Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Planet Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Planet Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.