Our Story

My small business journey began when I moved from New York to Boston in 2020. When COVID-19 halted many industries - including the performing arts - I decided to pursue a certification in life and career coaching. Initially, my plan for the first iteration of my business, Tara Brown Coaching, was to support young dancers in successfully and confidently navigating performance careers. 

As I began to take dance classes in my new home of Boston, I encountered challenges in finding a place to train. This inspired me to offer my own heels classes - and the second layer of my business, Dance Heels with Tara Brown, was born. Although I have decades of training in a variety of dance styles, I chose to teach heels because of the impact that this genre has had on me. As a shorter, thicker, and curvy Black woman, I lacked role models who shared my skin color and body type - especially in the world of concert dance. Through heels, I found a community of acceptance and belonging that embraced my body and reignited my love for dance. 

In searching for a location to teach, I struggled to find a space where all people and dance styles were welcome. While Boston has a variety of arts resources, the city’s deeply racist roots makes them dispersed and segregated.

In October 2022, I stumbled across the listing for an old dance studio. During my tour of the space, I was inspired to transform it into a welcoming and collaborative arts destination that offered a high-quality dance education. I signed a lease for December and opened Boston Dance Studios in January 2023.

-Tara Brown