Jean Appolon Expressions Dance Center

Jean Appolon Expressions Dance Center

Roxbury, MA

In late 2025, Kaplan Construction delivered a fit-out of a new dance studio for Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) in Roxbury, Mass. The 3,000 SF space is located on the ground floor of 2147 Washington Street, a six-story mixed-use development constructed by Kaplan earlier in 2025. Located in the heart of Nubian Square, JAE Dance Center establishes a permanent home for the Haitian folkloric and contemporary-infused dance organization as it expands its operations and presence in Boston.

The new studio features a large open dance area with acoustical wall and ceiling panels, a theatrical ceiling grid for future lighting and AV equipment, a sprung dance floor, mirror wall, and a black box theatrical curtain system with a 40-foot projection surface. The sprung flooring system utilizes a Harlequin product with shock-dampening, single-density elastomer pads, supporting dancer health and performance. Additional spaces include an entry vestibule, an office for JAE staff, storage, and a four-stall bathroom with a shower stall.

Because the studio is located beneath residential units, acoustical separation from the base building was a critical construction consideration. The ceiling assembly received particular focus and was designed to achieve a high STC rating, limiting sound transmission from classes and rehearsals. Kaplan coordinated closely with the design team throughout construction, conducting multiple in-progress reviews to ensure penetration details were executed correctly.