Cora Dance Brooklyn

In the vibrant and diverse landscape of Brooklyn, Cora Dance Brooklyn stands as a unique and deeply impactful institution dedicated to making dance accessible to everyone. More than just a dance school, it's a community hub where passion for movement meets a profound commitment to equity. Founded in 1998 as a professional dance company by choreographer and educator Shannon Hummel, Cora Dance expanded its mission in 2009 by opening a pay-what-you-can studio in Red Hook. This revolutionary model ensures that no one is turned away from high-quality dance education due to financial constraints, providing a truly inclusive environment for aspiring dancers of all ages and backgrounds.

Cora Dance Brooklyn is renowned for its high-energy classes and dedicated instructors who inspire and nurture talent. It's a place where children and youth, regardless of their economic circumstances, can discover the joy of dance, develop strong technical foundations, and even participate in professional-level performances. The studio's commitment extends beyond the dance floor, offering "Supporting Equal Access Services" that address various barriers, from providing dance attire and shoes to offering mentorships and application assistance for higher education. This holistic approach ensures that students not only grow as dancers but also as confident, collaborative individuals within their community.

The impact of Cora Dance Brooklyn is palpable in the enthusiasm of its students and the glowing reviews from parents and community members. Instructors like Kion are celebrated for their "super energy" and ability to "bring the best out of the kids," creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where learning flourishes. Through its professional company, Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance, and its robust educational programs, Cora Dance Brooklyn has cemented its reputation as a vital cultural asset, performing acclaimed works across the city and the U.S., and consistently finding innovative ways to bring dance to communities that historically lack access to live performances and quality arts education.

Cora Dance Brooklyn is nestled in the heart of Red Hook, a distinctive and thriving neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. You can find this welcoming dance hub at 177 Dwight St #2R, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA. Its location in Red Hook offers a unique charm, blending industrial history with a burgeoning arts scene and strong community ties.

While Red Hook might feel a bit off the beaten path compared to other Brooklyn neighborhoods, Cora Dance is still quite accessible for New Yorkers. For those relying on public transportation, various bus lines serve the Red Hook area, providing connections to subway stations. For instance, the B61 bus runs through Red Hook and connects to subway lines like the F and G trains at various points, making it feasible for residents from other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan to reach the studio. While it may require a bus transfer from the nearest subway, the journey is certainly manageable for those committed to quality dance education.

Red Hook is also known for being a relatively bike-friendly neighborhood, offering another mode of transportation for local residents. For those who prefer to drive, while street parking can vary, Red Hook generally offers more options than denser parts of Manhattan, which can be an advantage. The studio's presence in this tight-knit community also means it's often within walking distance for many local families, reinforcing its role as a neighborhood anchor. Its location emphasizes its deep roots in the community it serves, fostering a strong sense of belonging for its students.

• Pay-What-You-Can Dance Education: High-quality classes accessible to all, with priority given to NYCHA and Section-8 residents and homeless families.
• In-Studio Training Programs: Professionally led classes rooted in Modern and Hip Hop, with offerings in Ballet and African Diasporic forms.
• After-School Pick-Up and Snacks: Providing convenience and support for students.
• Dancewear and Shoes Provision: Removing financial barriers to participation by providing necessary attire.
• Parent Workshops: Engaging parents in the dance education journey.
• Audition Opportunities: Through CYC/Cora Youth Company programs, providing pathways for advanced students.
• CYC/Cora Youth Company Programs: An audition-based repertory company experience for committed dancers in grades 4-12, performing works by professional choreographers.
• Wraparound Services for Youth Company: Including individualized education and career "path-planning," mentorships, and internships.
• Off-Site Satellite Programs: Bringing dance and movement-based enrichment to various locations throughout Red Hook and beyond.
• Professional Company Performances: Students have the opportunity to see and be inspired by performances by the Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance professional company.
• Open Class Performances: Students perform twice annually to showcase their progress to families and community.

• Equity-Driven Mission: Founded on the principle of providing equal access to dance, turning no one away based on ability to pay.
• High-Quality Professional Instruction: Led by experienced and passionate instructors who bring out the best in students.
• Strong Community Focus: Deeply integrated into the Red Hook community, serving its diverse population.
• Inspiring and Energetic Teachers: Instructors like Kion are praised for their enthusiasm and ability to motivate students.
• Comprehensive Youth Programs: From foundational training to pre-professional company experiences with wraparound support.
• Emotionally Accessible Performances: The professional company performs nuanced and touching works by Shannon Hummel.
• Barrier-Removing Services: Providing dance attire, shoes, meals, and assistance for academic applications.
• Positive Student Outcomes: High success rate of CYC students gaining entry into top-choice colleges, often on scholarship.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Established in 1998, with a studio in Red Hook since 2009, earning critical acclaim including from The New York Times.
• Focus on Collaboration and Inclusion: Building trust and common ground through dance among diverse people.

Address: 177 Dwight St #2R, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (718) 858-2520

Mobile Phone: +1 718-858-2520

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in Brooklyn, Cora Dance Brooklyn stands out as an exceptional local resource that goes far beyond typical dance instruction. Its location in Red Hook, while perhaps requiring a short bus ride from the nearest subway, firmly roots it within a vibrant community and makes it genuinely accessible for local families. This isn't a studio catering exclusively to a select few; it’s a place built on the principle that dance should be for everyone, a philosophy that deeply resonates with the inclusive spirit of New York City.

The "pay-what-you-can" model is revolutionary and incredibly beneficial for the diverse economic landscape of New York. It means that high-quality dance education, often an expensive endeavor, is genuinely within reach for families who might otherwise be excluded. This commitment to equitable access, along with services like providing dance attire and even after-school pick-up, removes common barriers, allowing more children and youth in the Red Hook area and beyond to participate fully.

Moreover, the quality of instruction at Cora Dance Brooklyn is consistently praised. Reviews highlight dedicated instructors like Kion, who possess "super energy" and inspire students to "make the steps look so easy," bringing out "the best out of the kids." This supportive and engaging learning environment is crucial for fostering a love of dance and ensuring positive developmental outcomes for young New Yorkers. The opportunity for students to not only learn but also perform and potentially join the Cora Youth Company provides invaluable experiences, preparing them for future artistic or academic pursuits, often leading to college scholarships.

In essence, Cora Dance Brooklyn is a local treasure that embodies the best of New York’s community spirit. It offers world-class dance education that is deeply empathetic to the needs of its urban residents, proving that artistic excellence and social equity can, and should, go hand-in-hand. For any New Yorker looking for a dance institution that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and truly invests in its community, Cora Dance Brooklyn is an unparalleled choice.

Cora Dance Brooklyn

177 Dwight St #2R, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA