From Dance Studio to Co-Living: A New Trend

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-12

When a local dance studio closes its doors, it can feel like the end of an era. But sometimes, that old space gets a second life in a completely unexpected way. That's exactly what's happening with a former dance studio in Portsmouth, which might soon become a five-story co-living block. While the original plan sounds like just another real estate deal, it actually tells us a lot about how our cities are changing. And for dance professionals, it raises some interesting questions about the future of creative spaces. ### What Is Co-Living, Anyway? Co-living is a modern housing model where residents get private bedrooms but share common areas like kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes even workspaces. Think of it like a dorm for adults, but with much nicer furnishings and a focus on community. This particular project would turn the old dance studio into a five-story building with multiple units. The idea is to offer affordable housing in a city where rent prices keep climbing. For young professionals, artists, and even dancers, this could be a game-changer. ### What This Means for Dance Studios Dance studios have always been more than just rooms with mirrors and barres. They're community hubs where creativity flows and connections form. When a studio closes, it's not just the loss of a rental space—it's the loss of a cultural anchor. But here's the thing: the rise of co-living could actually create new opportunities for dancers. Here are a few ways: - **Affordable housing near city centers** means dancers can live closer to performance venues and teaching jobs. - **Shared spaces in co-living buildings** could include dance-friendly rooms or studios, giving residents a built-in place to practice. - **Community-focused living** encourages collaboration, which might lead to new choreography projects or dance classes right in the building. ### The Bigger Picture for Choreographers Choreographers often struggle to find affordable rehearsal space. If co-living developments start including multipurpose rooms, that could solve a major pain point. Imagine being able to book a room in your own building for a few hours of practice, then heading downstairs to grab coffee with fellow artists. That kind of integration between living and creating is rare, but it's exactly what the dance world needs. It makes the creative process more fluid and less stressful. ### What Dance Classes Could Look Like Dance class providers might also benefit. If co-living attracts a demographic of young, active residents, there's a built-in audience for beginner and intermediate classes. You could offer weekly workshops in the building's common area, turning residents into students and eventually into loyal customers. Of course, not every co-living space will include a dance studio. But the trend shows that developers are thinking differently about how people want to live. And that opens the door for more creative uses of space. ### A Personal Take I've seen too many dance studios shut down because of rising rents. It's heartbreaking. But I also believe that change can bring unexpected gifts. The co-living model might not be perfect, but it does force us to ask: How can we design our cities to support both living and creating? For now, the Portsmouth project is just a proposal. But it's worth watching. If it succeeds, we might see more old studios transform into new kinds of homes—and that could be a win for everyone involved. So keep an eye on your local dance studio. You never know what it might become next.