Dance Loft on 14

For those in the District of Columbia with a passion for dance, or simply seeking a unique and enriching cultural experience, Dance Loft on 14 stands as a significant point of interest. More than just a collection of studios, Dance Loft on 14 is a vibrant community hub dedicated to fostering artistic expression, providing professional-grade facilities, and offering a diverse range of dance education for all ages. Nestled in a historically rich part of Washington, DC, it serves as a crucial space for local artists to rehearse, perform, and connect, while also inviting the wider community to engage with the transformative power of dance.

Dance Loft on 14 is not only a place for instruction and performance but also an incubator for new work and a beacon for the arts in Ward 4. Its commitment to the local arts scene is evident in its support for artists, offering subsidized rehearsal space, and providing a platform for critically acclaimed choreography through its resident company, MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet. For DC residents, this means access to high-quality dance training, diverse performances, and a strong sense of artistic community right in their own backyard. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a parent looking for engaging youth programs, or an event organizer in search of a unique venue, Dance Loft on 14 offers a valuable resource to the cultural landscape of the city. While every institution has its growing pains and learning curves, particularly with complex programs, the core mission of Dance Loft on 14 remains focused on providing a vital space for dance and community engagement.

Dance Loft on 14 is conveniently located at 4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA. This placement on the bustling 14th Street corridor in Northwest DC makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the District. The area is well-served by various public transportation options, making your visit to the loft straightforward and environmentally friendly.

For those utilizing the Metro system, Dance Loft on 14 is a short bus ride from the Columbia Heights Metro Station (Green and Yellow Lines). Numerous Metrobus lines, including the 52, 53, and 54, run directly along 14th Street NW, with stops conveniently located near the studio. This extensive bus network ensures easy access from various neighborhoods across DC. While street parking on 14th Street NW can be limited and metered during certain hours, payment is not required after 6:30 PM, which can be beneficial for evening classes or events. The proximity to a major thoroughfare and reliable public transport routes underscores Dance Loft on 14’s suitability as a community arts space, making it easy for both regular students and occasional visitors to partake in its offerings without significant logistical challenges. The ongoing plans to redevelop the site into a "Green Arts Complex" with integrated affordable housing and improved ADA accessibility further highlight its commitment to being a truly accessible and sustainable community asset in the future.

Services Offered:

• Youth Dance Programs: Dance Loft on 14 offers a range of dance classes for children and youth, including Pre-Ballet (ages 3-6), Bilingual Dance (ages 4-7), Contemporary (ages 8 and up), and various levels of Ballet (ages 7 and up). These programs focus on technical training in a safe and fun environment, with sequential learning over 10-week sessions.
• Adult Dance Classes: A robust schedule of drop-in adult classes is available from September through June, featuring styles such as Ballet (Beginner to Advanced), Jazz, Horton Technique, and Contemporary. Summer intensives and occasional pop-up workshops are also offered for adults.
• Studio Rental Space: Dance Loft on 14 boasts four unique studio spaces and a signature Dance Loft Theater Ballroom, available for rent. These spaces are ideal for theatrical performances, art showcases, rehearsals, classes, receptions, and more, featuring sprung floors, sound systems, and varying capacities. One reviewer noted, "Was a tough process getting the room but we enjoyed the studio space and the sound system. Our participants also gave compliments about the room."
• Professional Company Residency: The venue serves as the home for MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet, a professional company that presents socially conscious and critically acclaimed choreography.
• Performance Opportunities: Youth classes culminate in showcases, such as the annual Springtime Tales and Variations production, providing young dancers with performance experience. Adult students also have performance opportunities.
• Subsidized Artist Space: The Loft offers subsidized rehearsal space at accessible hours, a rare find for local artists.
• Community-Oriented Showcases: Semesters for younger students often conclude with community-oriented showcases, fostering a sense of achievement and shared experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Multiple Studio Spaces: Dance Loft on 14 features four distinct studios, ranging in size from 700 to 2,000 square feet, each equipped with professional features like sprung floors (Marley or antique wood), mirrors, and sound systems, accommodating various dance styles and event needs. The main Theater Ballroom is a remarkable 2,000 square foot space with gorgeous antique wood floors.
• Historic Building with Character: Housed in a 1920s art-deco building, the loft retains much of its original beauty and unique architectural details, providing an inspiring atmosphere for dance and artistic endeavors.
• Commitment to Affordability and Accessibility: As an organization, Dance Loft on 14 is actively working towards creating a new "Green Arts Complex" that will include not only expanded and improved ADA-accessible arts spaces but also deeply affordable housing units, demonstrating a strong commitment to community benefit and sustainability.
• Focus on Technical Training: Youth programs prioritize "technical training in a safe and fun environment," emphasizing sequential learning to build strong dance foundations.
• Diverse Class Offerings: With a wide array of classes from classical ballet to contemporary, bilingual dance, and jazz, the Loft caters to a broad spectrum of interests and skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
• Community Engagement: Dance Loft on 14 aims to be a nexus for arts and social change, engaging public school students with quality arts education and professional performances, and fostering community through showcases and events.
• Professional Sound Systems: The studio spaces are equipped with quality sound systems, enhancing the experience for both classes and rental events.

Contact Information:

Address: 4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA

Phone: (202) 621-3670

Dance Loft on 14 serves as an invaluable resource for locals in the District of Columbia. Its strategic location on 14th Street NW, with excellent public transportation access, makes it a convenient destination for residents from various parts of the city. For families, the youth programs offer a structured yet engaging introduction to dance, though some may find the preparation for performances and costume rental policies could be improved. For adults, the diverse range of drop-in classes provides flexible options for continuing a dance practice or trying new styles.

Beyond its educational offerings, Dance Loft on 14’s role as a rental space for artists and its commitment to fostering the broader arts community in Ward 4 are significant. It provides vital, subsidized rehearsal space for local talents and hosts performances that enrich DC's cultural fabric. The ongoing development of a "Green Arts Complex" with affordable housing further solidifies its position as a forward-thinking institution deeply integrated with the community's needs. While some program aspects, particularly for youth performances, have received feedback about organization and cost transparency, the overall vision and offerings of Dance Loft on 14 present a compelling reason for DC locals to engage with this dynamic and evolving point of interest for dance, culture, and community.

Dance Loft on 14

4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA