Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio

Welcome to Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio, a truly unique and deeply enriching "point of interest" nestled in the vibrant community of Cleveland, OH. More than just a dance studio, we are a passionate organization dedicated to researching, preserving, and performing the American Negro Spiritual through the beautiful and expressive art form of liturgical dance. Our mission extends beyond teaching dance steps; it's about educating the community on the profound influence of the Spiritual and its refractions—including blues, gospel, and jazz—on social change, social justice, and the cultural development of the United States. Founded and artistically directed by Edna Duffy, our intergenerational company of singers and dancers strives to improve the quality of life through performance and the application of the Spiritual's universal message of faith, hope, optimism, and perseverance to everyday life. We warmly invite individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join us in celebrating and perpetuating this vital cultural heritage.

At Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio, the impact we have on our students is deeply personal and long-lasting, as reflected in the heartfelt testimonials from our dance family. As one former student beautifully put it, "I danced here for years and Mrs. Duffy is a great dance teacher who taught me a lot. The dance ensemble was very talented and close knit. Great for all ages." This sentiment underscores our commitment to fostering not only dance talent but also strong community bonds, creating a "close knit" environment where students feel supported and connected. Our studio is renowned for its ability to teach discipline and technique while nurturing individual self-esteem and pride in American Cultural Heritage. We believe that through dance, particularly the rich tradition of the Negro Spiritual, children and youth develop a profound respect for themselves and others, empowering them to be accepting of those from all cultures. We are dedicated to providing an experience that truly engages the mind, disciplines the body, and develops the talents of people of all ages.

Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio is conveniently located at 1919 E 107th St, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. This accessible address places our studio in the heart of Cleveland, specifically within the University Circle area, making it highly convenient for residents throughout the city and its surrounding neighborhoods in Cuyahoga County. East 107th Street is a familiar local street, ensuring that navigating to our facility is straightforward and hassle-free, whether you are relying on GPS or are already acquainted with the local street layout.

The accessibility of our location is a significant benefit for our students and their families. Being situated in a central part of Cleveland means less travel time for local residents, allowing for a seamless integration of dance classes and rehearsals into busy daily routines. We understand that convenience is paramount for modern families, and our address has been chosen with that in mind. The area around 1919 E 107th St typically offers convenient parking options, further simplifying drop-offs and pickups and ensuring a smooth experience from the moment you arrive at our studio. Our central positioning within Cleveland connects us closely with the local community, reflecting our dedication to serving the residents of this vibrant Ohio region. We encourage you to reach out to us for any specific directions or questions regarding accessibility; our friendly staff is always ready to assist to ensure your visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio offers a unique and impactful array of services centered around the American Negro Spiritual and its broader cultural influences, designed for students of all ages and skill levels.

• Liturgical Dance Classes: Our core offering, focusing on the expressive and spiritual art form of liturgical dance. These classes teach choreography and movement that embody the narratives and emotions of the American Negro Spiritual.
• Education on the Negro Spiritual: Classes and performances are designed to educate the community about the history, significance, and influence of the Spiritual, including its connections to social change, social justice, and American cultural development.
• Dance Styles Inspired by the Spiritual: Instruction incorporates elements and refractions of the Spiritual, including Blues, Gospel, and Jazz dance, providing a diverse yet historically connected dance curriculum.
• Classes for All Ages: We offer a structured program for various age groups:
  • Children (Beginners): Typically 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
  • Youth (Intermediate): Typically 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
  • Adult Dance Class: Offered on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon and Tuesdays from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform as part of the intergenerational Duffy Liturgical Dance Ensemble, showcasing their talents and contributing to the preservation of the art form. This includes annual studio recitals and community performances.
• Children & Youth Choir: Complementing the dance, a choir program is offered, enhancing the musical understanding and performance aspect of the Spiritual.
• Summer Performing Arts Camp: An intensive three-week program providing workshops on culture, liturgical dance, drama, vocal, and instrumental lessons, focusing on history and cultural heritage.
• Personal Growth and Character Development: Our programs emphasize developing respect, self-esteem, pride in American Cultural Heritage, poise, grace, rhythm, and self-worth.
• Workshops and Lecture Demonstrations: Engaging formats for broader community education about the art form and its cultural significance.

Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio is distinguished by a multitude of powerful features and highlights that underscore its unique value and deep commitment to its mission and community.

• Unique Mission: The studio's core mission to "research, preserve and perform the American Negro Spiritual" and to educate the community about its influence on social change and cultural development sets it apart from conventional dance schools.
• Intergenerational Ensemble: The presence of an "intergenerational company of singers and dancers" (ranging from age 5 to 95) creates a rich, diverse learning environment and fosters strong bonds across age groups.
• Holistic Student Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio places "great importance on promoting personal growth, developing character, and enhancing the self-esteem of children." They encourage students to learn their history and be proud of their cultural heritage, empowering them to be accepting of other cultures.
• Experienced Founder and Artistic Director: Edna Duffy, with her deep "love of music" and vision, leads the studio, ensuring a high level of artistic integrity and dedicated instruction.
• Close-Knit Community: Reviews consistently highlight the "close knit" nature of the dance ensemble, indicating a supportive and family-like atmosphere where students feel valued and connected.
• Professional and Affordable: The studio prides itself on offering a "fun environment with professional standards" at "affordable prices," making high-quality liturgical dance accessible to a wider audience.
• Educational Focus: Classes and performances are designed to "inform audiences about the influences of the Spiritual" and its refractions (blues, gospel, jazz), providing a rich educational experience alongside dance training.
• Life Lessons through Dance: The philosophy derived from the Spiritual—faith, hope, optimism, and perseverance—is applied to everyday life, offering valuable life lessons to students.
• Stage Experience Benefits: Even shy or high-energy children benefit from stage experience, gaining confidence and learning structure within a supportive environment.
• Active Community Engagement: The studio is deeply involved in the community through performances, workshops, and programs like their summer camp that addresses social issues (e.g., bullying).

For inquiries, class registration, or to learn more about our mission and programs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1919 E 107th St, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: (216) 921-0734

Mobile Phone: +1 216-921-0734

Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in the Ohio region, particularly those residing in Cleveland and its surrounding communities. Its central location at 1919 E 107th St in Cleveland makes it highly accessible for families across the city, minimizing travel time and making it convenient to participate in enriching dance programs. This local accessibility is a key benefit, allowing for seamless integration of classes into busy schedules.

What truly sets Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio apart for locals is its unique mission and profound community impact. It's not just a dance school; it's a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and educating the community about the American Negro Spiritual. For local families, this offers an unparalleled opportunity for children and adults alike to connect with a vital part of American history and culture through an engaging art form. The "close-knit" and supportive environment, as highlighted by past students, ensures that participants feel a strong sense of belonging and community right in their neighborhood.

The studio's commitment to holistic development, fostering self-esteem, character, and cultural pride, resonates deeply with local parents seeking more than just extracurricular activities for their children. It provides a space where individuals of "all ages" can learn, grow, and contribute to a meaningful artistic endeavor. By choosing Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio, locals are embracing a unique educational and artistic experience that enriches their lives, fosters community connections, and contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Cleveland, Ohio.

Duffy Liturgical Dance Studio

1919 E 107th St, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA