LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – Some dance studios specialize in things like kids’ ballet recitals. In that case, it’s more about getting your child moving and in a structured activity than the dancing itself.
Other studios, though, cater to talented amateurs to who want to take dancing to the next level–or even those who plan to pursue it professionally.
A new dance studio that just opened in downtown Lafayette falls into the second category.
The new studio is called 925 Dance Collective. Formerly, it was known as Liminal Dance Labs.
It has opened at 3709 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette, the site of the briefly-lived Traffic bar right next to the Benjamin Moore Paints.
925 Dance Collective is positioning itself as a training hub for dancers who want a blend of high-level technique and a more holistic, body-aware approach.
The studio was founded by Artistic Director Bela Watson, Executive Director Laura Fegraus, and Managing Director Tenaya Garrett, and it offers classes in major styles for a wide age range — from “parent and me” all the way to seniors.
A signature part of the studio’s approach is what it calls “Dance Labs” — longer, integrative sessions designed to work on things like musicality, alignment, and creative problem-solving alongside technique.
The studio’s website also emphasizes empowerment-based coaching focused on building confidence, resilience, and creativity (not just results at competitions).
The studio apparently offers competitive “ensembles”, with a big focus on preparing dancers for either performing arts (like musical theatre, presumably), commercial dance or athletics-focused dance (like middle or high school drill teams.)
On its Competition Ensemble page, the studio also stresses that dancers can join even if they’re new to competition, with placement and support designed to meet dancers where they are.
Given that drill and cheer teams–not to mention unique extracurriculars in general–can give kids a leg-up going into the uber competitive college application process, there will probably be lots of takers locally for that reason alone.
It’s neat to see a studio that’s clearly treating dance like a vocation, too, and providing the skills people need to dance competitively, or even as a job. It’s not just TikTok reels (although no judgement if you want to improve your skills for those…)
If you’re curious but not ready to commit, the studio’s FAQ says free trial classes are available for most classes.
I’m personally very, very far from the world of professional dance–unless you could the delicate dance of fingers on a keyword while trying to get a story out before the 6am newsletter cutoff!
But for those who love dance, this new studio looks like a great, local addition.
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