Dance Canvas Inc

Hello Georgia! Are you passionate about the performing arts, eager to experience innovative dance, or perhaps looking for transformative opportunities for aspiring young dancers in our state? Then you absolutely need to know about Dance Canvas Inc., a remarkable non-profit organization based right here in Atlanta. Far from being a traditional dance studio, Dance Canvas is a vital hub in Georgia's dance ecosystem, dedicated to fostering the next generation of choreographers, empowering professional dance artists, and engaging youth and the broader community through the power of dance. As one enthusiastic reviewer stated, they "HIGHLY recommend their programs and performances!" because the "Annual Performance Series showcases a variety of dance styles, from ballet to contemporary to hip-hop and more, so there's something for everyone." Dance Canvas plays a critical role in increasing the awareness and accessibility of professional dance, making it a true cultural treasure for all Georgians.

Dance Canvas Inc. is located at 171 Auburn Ave NE UNIT 215, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. This address places it in the vibrant heart of Downtown Atlanta, a historically rich and culturally significant area. Its central location offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond, making it convenient for artists, students, and audiences to engage with their programs and performances. Auburn Avenue is a well-known street, part of Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn district, easily reachable by car from major interstates. For those utilizing public transportation, the studio's downtown location means it benefits from robust MARTA access, including nearby train stations and numerous bus routes. This makes it highly accessible for individuals who rely on public transit. The density of amenities and cultural institutions in the surrounding area also adds to the appeal of its location, solidifying Dance Canvas Inc.'s role as a cornerstone of Atlanta's diverse arts community.

Services Offered:

• Choreographer Career Development Initiative (CCDI): This flagship program provides extensive opportunities and resources for emerging professional choreographers. Selected artists receive professional development workshops (e.g., fundraising, lighting design, marketing), mentorship, free rehearsal space, access to professional dancers, and performance opportunities to develop and premiere new works. They support diverse genres including ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, aerial, and dance film.
• Annual Performance Series: Dance Canvas produces acclaimed showcases at prestigious venues like the Ferst Center for the Arts, Woodruff Arts Center, and Rialto Center for the Arts, presenting new works by emerging choreographers to Atlanta audiences. These series feature a variety of dance styles, offering something for every taste.
• Youth Programs: Dance Canvas offers several programs focused on youth leadership and outreach, including:
  • DC NEXT: A 4-week Summer Choreographic Intensive for high school students, providing valuable insight into the business, production, and creative aspects of the dance profession through mentorship and skill-building.
  • Youth Outreach: Engages with Atlanta area students through various outreach efforts, including in partnership with organizations like the City of Atlanta's Office of Cultural Affairs & Department of Recreation (Centers of Hope program) and public high school programs across Georgia.
  • CATALYST: A program developed in partnership with Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre.
  • Field Trips & Workshops: Opportunities for youth to participate in dance-related educational experiences.
• Audience & Community Engagement: Dance Canvas actively works to make dance more relatable and accessible to the public through various initiatives, including:
  • FREE Monthly "Artist-to-Artist" Workshops: Open workshops bringing choreographers and the community together.
  • Master Classes with Guest Artists: Opportunities to learn from renowned national and international dance professionals.
  • Community Performances: Free public performances and collaborations at various festivals and community events to "give back to the Atlanta community."
  • "Choreo Chat" Series: Online discussions with choreographers and industry leaders.
• Dance Canvas: On Film: A program launched in 2022 that supports dance filmmakers and screens new dance film projects.
• Internship Opportunities: Offers internships for DC NEXT alumni, potentially leading to positions within Dance Canvas's professional programs or even on their Board of Directors.

Features / Highlights:

• Empowering Emerging Artists: Dance Canvas is a crucial platform for "emerging professional choreographers" to develop their craft, gain visibility, and receive essential resources that help launch their careers. They focus on artists who need to get their work seen and supported.
• Diverse Artistic Voices: The organization actively seeks and showcases a wide variety of dance styles and choreographic voices, ensuring that audiences experience a rich spectrum of movement and storytelling, from ballet to hip-hop, modern, and more.
• Commitment to Youth Development: The DC NEXT program is highlighted as "at the heart of why Dance Canvas was created," providing young artists with not just dance training but also professional and business skills for the dance industry.
• Strong Community Impact: Beyond performances, Dance Canvas focuses on increasing awareness of dance and making it more relatable through free workshops, community events, and extensive youth outreach, impacting thousands of students across Georgia.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with major Atlanta arts institutions like the Ferst Center for the Arts, Woodruff Arts Center, Rialto Center for the Arts, Atlanta Contemporary, and Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre elevate their programming and reach.
• Non-Profit Mission: As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Dance Canvas is driven by a mission to serve the dance community and the public, rather than solely commercial interests.
• Holistic Support for Choreographers: Selected choreographers receive not just a stage, but also mentorship, professional development, marketing assistance, and performance documentation, providing a comprehensive support system.
• Experienced Leadership: Founded by Angela Harris, an experienced director, choreographer, and former dancer, the organization benefits from strong artistic vision and industry expertise.

Contact Information:

Address: 171 Auburn Ave NE UNIT 215, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

Phone: (404) 384-7140

Mobile Phone: +1 404-384-7140

For locals throughout Georgia, particularly those in the vibrant Atlanta area, Dance Canvas Inc. represents an invaluable cultural asset. If you're someone who appreciates diverse artistic expression, seeks opportunities for personal or professional growth in dance, or simply enjoys captivating performances, Dance Canvas is perfectly suited for you. Their commitment to "empowering professional dance artists and youth in Atlanta and beyond," as highlighted by appreciative audience members, demonstrates their profound impact. Whether you're attending their Annual Performance Series to witness groundbreaking new choreography across various styles, exploring their free community workshops, or considering their transformative DC NEXT program for a young aspiring dancer, you'll be engaging with an organization that is genuinely enriching the cultural fabric of our state. Dance Canvas isn't just about entertainment; it's about nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and making professional dance accessible and relevant to a broader audience. Supporting and engaging with Dance Canvas means investing in the future of dance and the arts right here in Georgia.

Dance Canvas Inc

171 Auburn Ave NE UNIT 215, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA