Editors’ Choice
MAGMA, Gloucester
Standout Qualities: With a focus on movement for people of all ages, improvisation-based classes, dance socials, and movement for those with special needs, this place is inclusive and unintimidating.
Insider Tip: Midweek adult hip-hop is a great way to meet people, not to mention burn off a big dinner.
Fun Fact: Director Sarah Slifer Swift has some serious dance cred. In addition to the North Shore’s own Salem State University, she’s been on faculty at Boston Ballet School, George Washington University, Amsterdam College of Art/School for New Dance Development, and Scotland’s National Center for Dance.
11 Pleasant St., Gloucester, 978-381-3494, magma.center
Readers’ Choice
Dance Enthusiasm, Salem
Standout Qualities: Around since 1992, Dance Enthusiasm has everything from Kinderdance on Saturday mornings to pointe class, and an award-winning competitive dance team. There is a whole lotta dancing going in in this beautiful, spacious studio.
Insider Tip: Catch a performance at Salem Heritage Days in the Willows on August 15.
Fun Fact: Dance Enthusiasm dancers have been seen in A Christmas Story: The Musical on Broadway, the Boston Ballet, and the Patriot Cheerleaders, as well as being backup dancers for various artists and making appearances in music videos and more.
41 Mason St., Salem, 978-741-1900, danceenthusiasm.org