Battery Dance

For decades, Battery Dance has been an integral part of New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, a true beacon for dance enthusiasts and artists alike. Located in Lower Manhattan, this esteemed organization is far more than just a dance studio; it's a dynamic hub dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence and making the arts accessible to everyone. From staging world-class performances to nurturing young talent in NYC schools and offering valuable resources to the dance community, Battery Dance plays a multifaceted role in enriching the city's artistic fabric. If you're a New Yorker with a passion for movement, whether as a participant or an appreciative audience member, Battery Dance offers a unique blend of local engagement and global reach that truly sets it apart.

Founded in 1976 by Jonathan Hollander, Battery Dance has consistently pursued a mission of combining artistic merit with social relevance. They are widely recognized for their impactful work both locally and internationally, using dance as a powerful tool for social cohesion and cultural exchange. This commitment is evident in their creation of nearly 100 original dance works, collaborations with diverse artists, and their role as cultural ambassadors for New York City on stages around the world. For locals, this means having access to a world-class dance institution right in their backyard, offering opportunities to witness breathtaking performances, participate in enriching programs, and support an organization that truly embodies the spirit of dance accessibility.

Whether you're looking for a professional rehearsal space, seeking to expand your dance knowledge, or simply wish to experience the beauty of dance, Battery Dance provides a welcoming and creatively charged environment that reflects the diverse energy of New York City itself.

Battery Dance is strategically located at 380 Broadway #5, New York, NY 10013, USA, placing it in the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan. This address ensures exceptional accessibility for individuals across New York City, thanks to the city's unparalleled public transportation network. The studio is conveniently situated within walking distance of several major subway lines, including the N, Q, R, W, J, Z, and 6 trains, all with stations nearby on Broadway or Lafayette Street. This makes it incredibly easy for dancers, choreographers, and audience members to reach the location from various neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and even the Bronx.

Numerous MTA bus routes also serve the Broadway corridor, providing additional convenient options for travel. For those coming from further afield via commuter rail, Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station are just a few subway stops away, offering seamless connections to Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North, and NJ Transit. While parking can be a challenge in this densely populated area, there are commercial parking garages available within a few blocks for those who prefer to drive, though public transport is highly recommended for its efficiency and environmental benefits. The vibrant neighborhood itself, rich with shops, restaurants, and other cultural institutions, adds to the appeal of Battery Dance's central and well-connected location, making it a perfect spot for any New Yorker looking to engage with the arts.

Battery Dance offers a wide array of services and programs that cater to diverse audiences, reflecting its mission of artistic excellence and social relevance. These offerings span professional development, community engagement, and direct artistic experiences.

• Professional Dance Company Performances: At its core, Battery Dance is a performing company, regularly creating and presenting original dance works choreographed by its founder Jonathan Hollander and other esteemed choreographers. These performances, often featuring live musical accompaniment, are presented in New York City venues and on international tours, showcasing a wide thematic and stylistic range inspired by global sources. Locals have opportunities to witness these captivating productions, often at affordable rates or even free during festivals.

• Studio Rentals: Battery Dance provides invaluable support to the broader dance community by offering subsidized rehearsal space. With two large studios equipped with Marley floors and sound systems, they serve as a crucial resource for over 400 choreographers and dance companies annually, allowing artists across NYC to develop and refine their work in a professional setting.

• Battery Dance Festival: As New York City's longest-running free public dance festival, the annual Battery Dance Festival is a signature event. Held outdoors in stunning Lower Manhattan locations like Rockefeller Park, it features diverse dance companies from around the world and New York-based artists, offering free performances, workshops, and immersive experiences to tens of thousands of in-person and virtual viewers each summer. This festival is a highlight for many New Yorkers, showcasing a wide array of dance styles.

• Arts-in-Education Programs: Battery Dance has a robust arts education initiative, crafting programs that meet the individual needs of elementary, middle, and high schools across all five boroughs of New York City. Since 1984, they have served over 200,000 students, with a special emphasis on teaching "at-risk" youth. These programs include hands-on training, creative choreography workshops, in-school performances by the company, and master classes by international visiting artists, introducing students to diverse global cultures through dance.

• International Cultural Exchange (Dancing to Connect): Though having a global reach, this program still impacts locals by bringing international artists and perspectives to NYC. Battery Dance's award-winning "Dancing to Connect" program uses dance as a tool for building social cohesion and resolving conflict worldwide, often involving collaborations that ultimately enrich the local New York dance scene through shared knowledge and performances.

• Battery Dance TV: In response to the pandemic, Battery Dance launched Battery Dance TV, offering free live dance classes and programming online. This initiative provides accessible content for individuals to participate in dance from the comfort of their homes, featuring various styles like contemporary, jazz fusion, ballet fusion, improvisation, and ballroom dancing.

Battery Dance stands out in New York City for several distinctive features and highlights that underscore its significance as a cultural institution.

• Longevity and Legacy: Established in 1976 by Jonathan Hollander, Battery Dance has a rich history spanning over four decades. This longevity speaks to its enduring commitment to dance, its consistent artistic output, and its deep integration into the fabric of New York City's arts community. Its sustained presence makes it a trusted and respected entity in the dance world.

• The Battery Dance Festival: This annual event is one of Battery Dance's crowning achievements. As New York City's longest-running free public dance festival, it's a testament to the organization's dedication to accessibility. Drawing thousands of attendees annually, it provides an unparalleled opportunity for New Yorkers to experience world-class dance against iconic waterfront backdrops, featuring a diverse array of international and local companies.

• Dual Mission of Artistic Excellence and Social Relevance: Battery Dance uniquely blends high artistic standards with a profound social mission. They not only create vibrant new dance works but also use dance as a tool for positive social impact, fostering human understanding and improving lives, particularly through their extensive arts-in-education programs in NYC schools and international cultural exchange initiatives.

• Support for the Dance Community: Battery Dance plays a vital role in nurturing other artists by providing subsidized rehearsal space. Their two large studios, equipped with Marley floors and sound systems, are a significant asset for hundreds of choreographers and companies each year, making them a cornerstone for the city's independent dance scene.

• Global Cultural Diplomacy: While based in NYC, Battery Dance is renowned as one of New York City's foremost cultural ambassadors. Through programs like "Dancing to Connect," they have built bridges and fostered mutual understanding in over 70 countries, bringing a global perspective back to their home community in New York.

• Accessible Studio Facilities: As noted in reviews, the studios themselves are "really nice," featuring Marley floors which are ideal for dance, and equipped with sound systems, wall and center barres. While one review mentions the 5-floor walk-up, the quality of the practice space itself is a clear highlight for dancers and instructors utilizing the facility.

For more information on programs, performances, or studio rentals, you can reach Battery Dance using the following contact details:

Address: 380 Broadway #5, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone: (212) 219-3910

For locals in New York City, Battery Dance is an unparalleled resource and a true community gem. Its central location in Lower Manhattan makes it highly accessible from across the boroughs via the extensive subway and bus network, eliminating transportation hurdles for those wishing to engage with their offerings. What makes Battery Dance exceptionally suitable for New Yorkers is its multifaceted role: it's not just a professional dance company that stages breathtaking performances, but also a dedicated supporter of the local arts scene through its subsidized studio rentals, a champion of arts education in NYC schools, and the proud host of the city's longest-running free public dance festival.

This means that whether you're a seasoned dancer looking for rehearsal space, a parent seeking enriching arts education for your child, or simply a New Yorker looking for free, high-quality cultural experiences, Battery Dance has something valuable to offer. The opportunity to witness diverse dance styles, from acclaimed international companies to local talents, against the iconic backdrop of the Battery Dance Festival, is a highlight of the NYC summer calendar. Moreover, the organization's deep commitment to social relevance and making dance accessible to everyone aligns perfectly with the diverse and inclusive spirit of New York City. Engaging with Battery Dance means connecting with a vibrant artistic community that enriches lives both locally and globally.

Battery Dance

380 Broadway #5, New York, NY 10013, USA