BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

Hello, New Yorkers! Are you seeking a vibrant and inspiring space where groundbreaking art meets passionate community, right here in the Bronx? Then you absolutely must discover BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance. This isn't just a performing arts theater; it's an "absolute gem hub of creativity and community," a truly special space dedicated to showcasing incredible talent and fostering a sense of belonging for artists and audiences alike.

For over two decades, BAAD! has been a pioneering force in New York's cultural landscape, particularly within the Bronx. It emerged from humble beginnings, founded by acclaimed dancer/choreographer Arthur Aviles and writer/activist Charles Rice-Gonzalez, with a clear vision: to provide a safe and empowering space for women, people of color (POC), and LGBTQ+ artists to create and present their work. This commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices is at the very core of BAAD!'s mission, making it a unique and vital institution in our diverse city.

When you experience an event at BAAD!, you're not just attending a performance; you're participating in something "powerful, inspiring, and always unforgettable." The people who run the academy are consistently praised for being "passionate, welcoming, and dedicated," creating an atmosphere where everyone feels seen and celebrated. Whether it's a dynamic dance performance, a thought-provoking theater piece, a compelling film screening, or a community dialogue, BAAD! consistently delivers first-rate art that engages and moves its audience. If you want to experience art that challenges, empowers, and truly reflects the diverse fabric of New York, BAAD! is unequivocally "the place to be!"

BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance is strategically located in the Bronx, New York, making it an accessible cultural destination for residents of the borough and across the city. You can find this dynamic performing arts theater at:

2474 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA

Westchester Avenue is a major thoroughfare in the Bronx, ensuring that the studio is relatively easy to locate and reach. Its position in the Westchester Square neighborhood places it within a vibrant local community. For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, Westchester Square is a hub with various subway and bus lines serving the area. The NYC Subway's 6 train has a stop at Westchester Square-East Tremont Avenue, which is typically within walking distance of the venue. Additionally, multiple MTA bus routes operate along Westchester Avenue, providing further connectivity for locals. While specific parking information isn't always detailed for every venue in NYC, being on a main avenue often means there are street parking options or nearby public lots, though it's always advisable to check local parking regulations. This robust accessibility by both public transit and car makes BAAD! a convenient and viable option for culturally engaged New Yorkers.

• Presentation of Cutting-Edge Performances: BAAD! creates, produces, and presents challenging works in contemporary dance and all creative disciplines. This includes dance, theater, visual art, written work, and multi-disciplinary performances.

• Support for Diverse Artists: A core mission is to support the development and showcase the talents of women, Latinos and people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe and empowering space free from societal prejudices.

• Annual Arts Festivals: BAAD! hosts several impactful annual festivals, including:

  • The BlakTinX Performance Series: Celebrating the convergence of work by African-American and Latino artists.

  • Get Tough! Get BAAD!: An LGBTQ film series, often featuring narrative films with positive endings.

  • BAAD! Ass Women: Showcasing empowering art by women across various disciplines.

  • The Boogie Down Dance Festival: A presentation of Bronx choreographers and dance forms.

  • OUT LIKE THAT: The Bronx's only LGBTQ performing arts festival.

  • Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo: An annual holiday play.

• Artist Residencies and Development: Through initiatives like the BAAD! Muse/Artist in Residency Project, they support the development of artists, particularly those from underrepresented demographics.

• Community Engagement and Dialogues: BAAD! brings a queer and dissident perspective to socio-political and cultural dialogues through its programming and partnerships with other community-based organizations and grassroots projects.

• Home to Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre (AATT): BAAD! serves as the home base for Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre, a contemporary dance company exploring works on the margins of Latino and queer cultures.

• TransVisionaries Performance Series: A monthly free performance series (often in local Bronx restaurants and cafes) featuring trans and gender non-conforming artists of color, increasing accessibility and visibility.

• Venue Rentals: BAAD! is available for rent 24/7 for rehearsals, performances, auditions, and classes, providing essential space for the local arts community.

• Bronx Dance Coalition and Magazine: BAAD! formed the Bronx Dance Coalition to support the infrastructure of professional Bronx dance companies and produces the Bronx Dance Magazine, a resource publication.

• Pioneering Vision and History: BAAD! has a rich history (over 25 years) rooted in providing a safe and empowering space for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, coming from humble beginnings to become a nationally recognized arts organization.

• Hub of Creativity and Community: It's consistently described as a "gem hub of creativity and community," fostering an environment where artists and audiences connect, celebrate, and are inspired by each other.

• Passionate, Welcoming, and Dedicated Leadership/Staff: The people who run BAAD! are lauded for their passion, warmth, dedication, and contagious energy, ensuring a supportive and engaging experience for all who enter.

• Groundbreaking and Unforgettable Art: BAAD! is known for showcasing powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable events, consistently presenting cutting-edge and challenging works that push boundaries and spark conversation.

• Commitment to Underrepresented Voices: A central feature is its unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices and talents of artists from marginalized communities, bringing a queer and dissident perspective to the cultural dialogue of the Bronx and NYC.

• Diverse Multi-Disciplinary Programming: The range of performances spans contemporary dance, theater, film, visual art, literary works, and various themed festivals, offering a rich and varied artistic experience.

• Community Impact and Activism: Through its programming and grassroots initiatives, BAAD! actively works to dismantle paradigms of injustice such as sexism, racism, and homophobia, acting as a progressive force for good in the Bronx and beyond.

• Accessibility Beyond the Main Stage: Initiatives like the "TransVisionaries Performance Series" extend performances to local Bronx cafes, making art more accessible and visible within the community.

To learn more about upcoming events, support their mission, or simply get in touch with BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2474 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA

Phone: (718) 918-2110

Mobile Phone: +1 718-918-2110

You can also visit their official website, baadbronx.org, for detailed event calendars, artist information, and ways to support this incredible New York institution.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in the Bronx and surrounding boroughs, BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance is an indispensable cultural cornerstone, perfectly suited to the diverse and dynamic spirit of our city. Its profound impact and unique offerings make it an ideal destination for locals for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, BAAD! is more than just a performance venue; it's a vital community hub. In a city as vast as New York, finding spaces that genuinely foster a sense of belonging and shared experience is invaluable. BAAD!'s dedication to providing a "safe space" where "people who run it are passionate, welcoming, and dedicated" creates an inviting atmosphere for everyone. This strong community focus means that attending an event here isn't just about passive consumption of art, but active participation in a collective cultural experience.

Secondly, its unwavering commitment to showcasing the talents of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ artists directly reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of New York City. For locals, this means access to art that truly represents their experiences and perspectives, offering powerful narratives that might not be found in more mainstream venues. The "groundbreaking art" presented at BAAD! enriches the cultural landscape of the Bronx and the entire city, making it a source of pride and inspiration for its residents.

Finally, the sheer variety and quality of programming, from contemporary dance and theater to film festivals and community dialogues, ensure there's always something engaging and thought-provoking happening. This constant stream of "powerful, inspiring, and always unforgettable" events, combined with its accessible location on Westchester Avenue via public transit, makes it easy for New Yorkers to regularly engage with exceptional art that matters. For those who want to experience the cutting edge of performance while supporting a truly meaningful institution right in their neighborhood, BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance is an absolute must-visit.

BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

2474 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA