Dance Place

Hello, Washingtonians! Are you seeking a unique and enriching cultural experience right here in the heart of the District? Do you have a passion for movement, a love for live performance, or an interest in exploring the world of dance? Look no further than Dance Place, a dynamic performing arts theater and community hub located in Northeast DC. Since its founding in 1980, Dance Place has been a vital anchor in our city's arts landscape, dedicated to supporting movement artists, presenting diverse performances, and providing accessible dance education for all ages. It's a place where local, national, and international talent graces the stage, and where the community can engage directly with the power and beauty of dance. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what makes Dance Place a truly special destination for locals, covering its strategic location, its wide range of services, its unique features, and why it's a perfect fit for our vibrant DC community.

Dance Place has earned a reputation as a "hub of dance activity in Washington, DC," as heralded by The Washington Post, and for good reason. It’s a non-profit organization that actively works to build a community of artists, audiences, and students, enriching the field of dance locally, nationally, and internationally. Their commitment extends to both presenting cutting-edge performances and offering comprehensive training programs. While any live venue can have its quirks, as one attendee noted regarding the unique "adult sippy cup" for drinks and occasional warmth in the theater during performances ("It was weird and hilarious and I'm saving the cup for next time! The only negative about the experience was that the theater itself got really warm during the performance - everyone was sweating!"), these elements often add to the authentic, intimate charm of a dedicated arts space. Another review, concerning class punctuality for a "Move with Me program for kids 1.5-3 years old," highlighted an administrative point, "For $300, we expect class to begin on time. Just when our young one starts to get warmed up, the class is wrapping up. Class is 35 minutes maximum. We were told class will always end on time because there is a schedule of classes they need to keep." While feedback like this is important for continuous improvement, it's also clear that Dance Place is running a tight schedule with a multitude of programs. It's a testament to the sheer volume of activity and demand for their classes. Despite minor logistical observations, the overwhelming sentiment from the community is one of appreciation for the vital role Dance Place plays in bringing dance to life in our city, fostering both artistic development and community engagement.

Dance Place is conveniently situated at 3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA. This location places it firmly within the vibrant Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood of Northeast DC, an area known for its evolving arts scene and strong community ties. The address offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout the District and surrounding areas.

For those utilizing public transportation, Dance Place is notably accessible. It is generally considered to be within reasonable walking distance of the Brookland-CUA Metro station on the Red Line, making it a highly convenient option for attendees and students. Additionally, numerous Metro bus routes serve the 8th Street NE corridor, providing further transit options. For individuals who prefer to drive, while street parking in urban areas can vary, the Brookland neighborhood often provides more accessible parking opportunities compared to more congested downtown areas. Dance Place’s presence in this thriving, diverse community also means it's often surrounded by local businesses, eateries, and other cultural attractions, allowing visitors to easily make a full outing of their visit. This strategic and accessible location plays a key role in Dance Place's mission to make dance widely available to the Washington, DC community.

As a multifaceted performing arts theater and dance organization, Dance Place offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Live Dance Performances: Presenting a diverse season of dance performances by local, national, and international artists and companies across various genres in their theater.
• Dance Classes for All Ages: A robust dance school offering a wide variety of classes for youth (children and teens) and adults, covering styles such as Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop (including specialized series like "Rooting the Dance Hip-Hop Series"), West African, Ballet (including "Beginner Ballet with Pop Music"), Tap, Contact Improvisation, Cuban Dance, Heels, Contemporary, and Black Fusion.
• Summer Intensives and Workshops: Specialized, often rigorous, programs during the summer and throughout the year, featuring guest artists and focused training for dancers of various levels.
• Artist Support and Development: Providing opportunities for movement artists to create and develop new dance work, including commissions and residencies.
• Arts in Education Programs: Outreach initiatives and programs designed to bring dance education to youth and communities throughout DC.
• Community Engagement: Hosting and participating in community events, offering inclusive ticketing options, and engaging in civic participation to foster neighborhood growth and make dance accessible.
• Studio and Theater Rental: Offering their facilities for rehearsals, workshops, and other community or private events, supporting the broader arts ecosystem in DC.
• Online and Hybrid Class Options: Providing virtual classes (e.g., via Facebook Live) and video resources, particularly during periods requiring remote access, extending their reach beyond physical attendance.

Dance Place stands out with several key features and highlights that underscore its significance in the DC arts scene:

• Diverse Performance Programming: Dance Place is renowned for presenting a wide array of dance genres and companies, ensuring a rich and varied cultural experience for audiences. They are committed to showcasing artists from DC, across the US, and around the world.
• High-Quality Dance Education: Their dance school offers extensive and high-quality instruction for all ages and skill levels, taught by experienced and passionate teaching artists. The breadth of styles offered caters to diverse interests.
• Artist-Centric Approach: With a mission to support movement artists, Dance Place provides crucial opportunities for creative development and new work creation, acting as a vital incubator for dance talent.
• Community Anchor and Inclusivity: Deeply embedded in the Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood, Dance Place is a cultural anchor. Their dedication to inclusivity is evident through programs like "Autism Acceptance Events," scholarship opportunities, and broad access to programs, ensuring dance is for everyone.
• Purpose-Built Theater Space: The venue features a sprung floor, a maximum seating capacity of 144 patrons, and dedicated production personnel, ensuring a professional and intimate setting for performances. While one review noted it can get warm, this often contributes to the energetic atmosphere of live performance.
• Focus on Social Justice and Advocacy: Dance Place believes in the power of physical movement to spark socio-political movement, actively engaging in social justice work and advocating for the arts community.
• Flexible Class Formats: Offering both in-person and online class options caters to the varied needs and schedules of local residents, making dance more accessible.
• Positive Impact on the Neighborhood: Beyond its artistic programs, Dance Place contributes to the revitalization and cultural vitality of Northeast DC, drawing visitors and fostering community identity.

For more information about performances, classes, or other programs at Dance Place, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA

Phone: (202) 269-1600

Mobile Phone: +1 202-269-1600

For the most current performance schedules, class registration, and news, it is highly recommended to visit their official website. You can also connect with Dance Place through their social media channels, which often feature updates, behind-the-scenes content, and highlights of their vibrant community.

For residents of the District of Columbia, Dance Place is an incredibly suitable and enriching performing arts theater, deeply embedded in the fabric of our city. Its appeal to locals stems from its strong community focus, diverse programming, and accessible location. Situated in the evolving Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood, Dance Place at 3225 8th St NE benefits from excellent public transport links, particularly its proximity to the Metro, making it a convenient destination for anyone across the city to experience live dance or participate in classes.

What truly makes Dance Place ideal for Washingtonians is its dual role as both a presenter of world-class performances and a provider of high-quality dance education. Locals have the unique opportunity to witness captivating artistry from renowned companies, as well as to engage directly with dance through a wide array of classes for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a parent seeking creative movement for your toddler, a teen exploring hip-hop, or an adult looking to try a West African dance class, Dance Place offers an inclusive and supportive environment. Its commitment to supporting local artists, fostering diversity, and making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability (as exemplified by "Autism Acceptance Events"), truly aligns with the values of our diverse city. Choosing to attend a performance or take a class at Dance Place means supporting a vital local non-profit that consistently enriches our cultural landscape, strengthens community bonds, and brings the transformative power of dance directly to the heart of Northeast DC. It's a local treasure that genuinely enhances the quality of life for our city's residents.

Dance Place

3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA