Dance Happens, Inc.

For families in Maryland seeking exceptional yet affordable dance education, Dance Happens, Inc. (DHI) in Baltimore emerges as a truly remarkable point of interest. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is driven by a powerful mission: "making dance happen" for everyone, and creating a safe, inspiring space within the Baltimore City community where individuals can dream big, nurture their love for dance, and freely express themselves through movement. If you're a local resident looking for a program that delivers pre-professional dance skills in a supportive and accessible environment, understanding the dedication and impact of Dance Happens, Inc. is essential. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this distinguished non-profit, highlighting its offerings and why it's a vital resource for our Maryland community.

Dance Happens, Inc. (DHI) was founded with the belief that a healthy community thrives when its members have access to quality physical and artistic activities, regardless of their economic background. Starting in January 2010 with just nine students, DHI, under the vision and dedication of its Artistic Director and Founder, Paula LeVere, has blossomed into a program serving 80-90 students per session, including 25 dedicated members in its First and Second Dance Companies. Ms. LeVere brings over 33 years of dance experience to DHI, shaping a teaching philosophy centered on high expectations, clear goals, positive motivation, constructive feedback, focus, and hard work. The organization is designed to provide a strong foundation for a lifetime in the arts, helping students develop passion, focus, confidence, and artistic ability. DHI encourages students to explore and celebrate diverse cultures and genres of dance, enhancing their awareness of dance's authentic traditions. The "low-cost program that delivers pre-professional skills" is a consistent theme from those who have experienced DHI, with one long-term participant stating, "We have been involved in DHI since 2011 and love it!" This feedback underscores the organization's success in providing high-caliber training while remaining accessible to the inner-city youth of Baltimore. DHI fosters a positive learning environment that stimulates creativity and intellectual growth, contributing to the artistic, emotional, social, and physical well-being of its students.

Dance Happens, Inc. is strategically located at 1407 Bolton St, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA. This address in Baltimore offers excellent accessibility for families within the city and surrounding Maryland areas. Bolton Street is situated in a well-established neighborhood, making the studio easily reachable by car from various parts of Baltimore. For those who rely on public transportation, the central location in Baltimore City typically means that numerous MTA bus routes serve the vicinity, providing convenient options for students and parents. While specific parking details are not always listed for every commercial address, urban locations often have on-street parking or nearby public parking facilities available. The accessibility of this location is particularly important for a non-profit organization that aims to serve a broad community, ensuring that quality dance education is within reach for inner-city youth. Being on Bolton Street also places DHI within the vibrant cultural tapestry of Baltimore, benefiting from its surrounding community and local amenities.

Dance Happens, Inc. provides a comprehensive curriculum of dance styles and related services, designed to cater to various interests and skill levels, primarily for youth aged 5-17:

• Ballet Technique: Foundational training emphasizing flexibility, balance, posture, and strength through barre and center floor work.
• Modern Dance: Explores movement, space, and rhythm, focusing on flexibility, balance, correct posture, and body placement. (For students 8 years or older).
• Jazz Technique: Classical jazz style with an emphasis on strong technique through flexibility, placement, and strength exercises, enhancing jumps, turns, and stage performance.
• Hip-Hop: Fundamentals of hip-hop focusing on rhythm, coordination, and musicality, with energetic movements for precision and muscle memory.
• African Dance: Learning the social and historical significance of African dancing, with focus on separating areas of movement to different rhythms.
• Tap Dance: Utilizing syncopation to create lively rhythms and enhance musicality of movement.
• Musical Theater: Students learn to communicate a story and its emotional content through a combination of song and dance.
• Liturgical Dance: Students learn the historical significance of liturgical dance and apply creative expression to contemporary movement.
• Choreography: Students learn sequences of movements to various musical phrases, fostering their creative development.
• Creative Movement (Ages 3-4): Designed for younger students to develop gross motor skills, stimulate imagination, and promote creativity by exploring the connection between movement and music.
• Dance Company (First and Second Companies): Opportunities for dedicated students to gain advanced training and performance experience.
• Summer Sessions & Intensive Camps: Four-week summer sessions and three-week summer intensive camps for continued learning.

Dance Happens, Inc. stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a truly valuable asset for the Baltimore and broader Maryland community:

• Non-Profit Mission and Affordability: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, DHI is committed to "making dance happen" for all, providing high-quality dance instruction at a low cost, making it accessible to a wide range of families in Baltimore City. This is a significant draw for locals.
• Pre-Professional Skills Development: Despite the low cost, the program is lauded for delivering pre-professional dance skills, indicating a high standard of technical training.
• Experienced Leadership: Founder Paula LeVere's 33+ years of dance experience ensures that students receive instruction from a knowledgeable and dedicated professional.
• Diverse Dance Offerings: The wide array of styles, including Modern, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap, African, and Musical Theater, provides a comprehensive dance education and caters to varied interests.
• Holistic Student Development: DHI focuses on the "whole child," stimulating creativity, intellectual growth, and contributing to artistic, emotional, social, and physical well-being.
• Positive Learning Environment: The teaching philosophy emphasizes high expectations, clear goals, positive motivation, constructive feedback, and hard work, all within a fun and supportive atmosphere.
• Community Building: DHI helps build the community "from the inside-out" by providing positive physical activities and fostering a love for dance and self-expression.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have chances to showcase their skills, which is crucial for building confidence and experiencing the art of performance.
• Growth and Impact: Since its inception, DHI has seen significant growth in student enrollment and has successfully established dedicated dance companies.

For more information about Dance Happens, Inc., their class schedules, enrollment, or how to support their mission, please contact them using the following details:

Address: 1407 Bolton St, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA

Phone: (410) 929-2432

Mobile Phone: +1 410-929-2432

You can also find more information about their programs and mission on their official website, Dance Happens Inc website, or through their social media channels, typically linked on their site.

In conclusion, Dance Happens, Inc. is an incredibly suitable and valuable point of interest for locals throughout the Maryland region, particularly in Baltimore. Its accessible location on Bolton Street ensures convenience for families seeking high-quality dance instruction. What truly distinguishes DHI is its non-profit model, providing pre-professional dance skills in a wide array of styles at an affordable cost, making quality arts education attainable for a broader community. Under the experienced guidance of Paula LeVere, students not only learn diverse dance techniques but also develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. For Maryland residents looking for a program that enriches the lives of youth through the power of dance, fosters creativity, and contributes positively to the community, Dance Happens, Inc. is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.

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Dance Happens, Inc.

1407 Bolton St, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA