Dance Express

In the heart of Fort Collins, Colorado, lies a truly special point of interest: Dance Express. This vibrant, community-oriented dance company stands out for its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, proving that the joy and transformative power of dance are for everyone, regardless of ability. More than just a place to learn dance steps, Dance Express is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives through creative dance experiences, fostering self-expression, building confidence, and promoting a deep sense of community among its dancers.

Since its founding in 1989, Dance Express has been a beacon of artistic expression and social integration in Northern Colorado. Its mission is clear: to celebrate diverse dance experiences by and for persons with or without disabilities. This vision translates into a unique and empowering environment where individuals with Down syndrome and/or other developmental disabilities dance alongside those without, creating a truly integrated and harmonious ensemble. For anyone in Colorado seeking an enriching artistic outlet that champions diversity and shared passion, Dance Express offers an inspiring and welcoming space to move, create, and connect.

Dance Express is conveniently located at 225 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. This central address places the studio in a highly accessible and recognizable part of Fort Collins, making it a practical destination for residents across the city and surrounding areas in Colorado. Situated on West Oak Street, the studio benefits from being in a well-trafficked and easily navigable area. Downtown Fort Collins typically offers various parking options, including street parking and nearby public lots or garages, ensuring that dancers and their families can access the facility with relative ease.

The studio's location within the vibrant downtown Fort Collins area also means it is well-connected to public transportation routes, further enhancing its accessibility for individuals who rely on buses or other forms of transit. This thoughtful placement underscores Dance Express's commitment to being an integral and convenient part of the Fort Collins arts and community landscape. The ease of access helps minimize logistical challenges, allowing more individuals with diverse abilities to participate in the enriching dance programs and become part of this supportive community.

Dance Express, as an inclusive modern dance company, offers a unique set of services and programs designed to promote dance for individuals of all abilities. Their offerings go beyond typical dance instruction, focusing on creative expression, community engagement, and performance opportunities.

• Adaptive Modern Dance Training: This is a core offering, providing specialized dance training adapted to the needs and strengths of persons with and without disabilities. The curriculum focuses on modern dance techniques, emphasizing creative movement, rhythm, and self-expression.
• Inclusive Dance Workshops: Dance Express conducts adaptive dance workshops in schools and various community centers throughout the Fort Collins region. These workshops are designed to introduce individuals to inclusive dance, model the talents of persons with disabilities, and promote access to the arts within broader community settings.
• Dance and Dance Theatre Productions: A significant part of Dance Express's work involves creating and staging original dance and dance theatre productions. These performances showcase the talents of the dancers and share messages of inclusion and creative expression with the wider Colorado community.
• Guest Appearances: Beyond their main productions, Dance Express dancers frequently make guest appearances at local festivals, cultural events, and community gatherings. These opportunities allow the dancers to share their art with a broader audience and contribute to the cultural fabric of Fort Collins.
• Annual Regional Inclusive Dance Convening: The organization hosts or participates in an annual convening focused on inclusive dance. This event likely brings together dancers, educators, and advocates to share best practices, foster collaboration, and further the cause of inclusive arts.
• Community Outreach and Engagement: Through their performances and workshops, Dance Express actively engages with the community, promoting the idea that dance is a powerful means for self-expression and community participation for everyone. They model inclusion and highlight the contributions and talents of persons with disabilities as equal contributors to culture.

Dance Express in Fort Collins is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it an exceptional and vital organization within the Colorado arts scene. These attributes underscore its unique mission and the profound impact it has on its participants and the community.

• Unwavering Commitment to Inclusion: This is the paramount feature. Dance Express is explicitly a "non-profit for dancers of all abilities," and dedicated to "promoting the art of dance in its various forms" with "strong emphasis on inclusion and creativity." They are celebrated for serving "persons with and without disabilities," demonstrating that dance is truly for everyone. This inclusive environment is a fundamental highlight and sets them apart.
• Focus on Persons with Disabilities: While inclusive of all, Dance Express has a particular focus on "celebrating the creativity and dance talents of persons with Down syndrome and/or other developmental disabilities." This targeted support provides invaluable opportunities for self-expression and community participation that might otherwise be unavailable.
• Performance Opportunities: A significant highlight is the emphasis on performance. Dance Express regularly produces "dance and dance theatre performances" and makes "guest appearances" at various events. This provides dancers with crucial stage experience, builds confidence, and allows them to share their artistry with the public, contributing meaningfully to the cultural landscape.
• Community-Oriented Non-Profit: As a non-profit organization, Dance Express operates with a mission-driven approach, prioritizing community benefit over profit. This status also implies a reliance on community support and volunteer efforts, fostering a strong sense of collective ownership and shared purpose. One reviewer simply stated, "A wonderful non-profit for dancers of all abilities."
• Mary Elizabeth Lenahan's Visionary Leadership: Mary Elizabeth, the Artistic & Executive Director, is frequently praised. One review explicitly stated, "Mary Elizabeth is awesome." Her leadership and dedication are integral to the organization's success and its ability to maintain its inclusive vision. She was inspired to start the company because her sister, Theresa Lenahan, loved to dance and had Down syndrome, highlighting a deeply personal and compassionate origin.
• Holistic Approach to Well-being: The core mission, "Dance Express improves lives through dance," goes beyond mere physical training. It speaks to the broader benefits of dance, including self-expression, confidence building, and the joy of community participation. This holistic approach positively impacts the emotional and social well-being of its dancers.
• Long-Standing Community Presence: Founded in 1989, Dance Express has a history of over 30 years in Fort Collins. This longevity speaks to its sustained impact, consistent quality, and deep roots within the local community, demonstrating its reliability and trusted position in the arts sector.

To connect with Dance Express in Fort Collins and learn more about their transformative programs, performance schedules, or how you can get involved, you can reach them using the following contact information. Their primary phone number is (970) 493-2113. For direct mobile communication or if calling from outside the immediate Fort Collins area, their mobile phone number is +1 970-493-2113. For in-person inquiries or to visit the studio and witness their incredible work, you can find them at 225 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. We recommend contacting them directly to inquire about class schedules, registration details, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming performances.

For Colorado locals, especially those in the Fort Collins area, Dance Express stands as an invaluable point of interest, offering far more than just dance lessons. It is a vital community hub where the art of dance is truly made accessible to all, embodying a powerful message of inclusion and capability. Its non-profit status and explicit mission to serve persons with and without disabilities mean that it operates with a deep commitment to social good and community enrichment. Dancers not only gain physical skills and creative expression but also experience profound personal growth, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging within a supportive "dance family." The leadership of individuals like Mary Elizabeth and the consistent opportunities for performance and community engagement further cement its role as a cherished local asset. For anyone seeking an inspiring artistic outlet, a meaningful way to contribute to their community, or simply a place where diversity is celebrated through movement, Dance Express in Fort Collins offers an unparalleled and deeply rewarding experience. It truly improves lives through dance, making it an ideal choice for Coloradans looking for an inclusive and empowering artistic journey.

Dance Express

225 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA