Gibney 280 Broadway

Welcome to the heart of New York City's vibrant performing arts scene, right here in Lower Manhattan! If you're a local looking to immerse yourself in the world of dance, find exceptional rehearsal spaces, or witness captivating performances, then Gibney 280 Broadway is a name you need to know. More than just a theater, Gibney 280 Broadway is a dynamic hub for the dance community, fostering creativity, collaboration, and artistic development. This article will guide you through what makes Gibney 280 Broadway an indispensable resource for New Yorkers, from its prime location to its extensive offerings.

Gibney 280 Broadway is home to a diverse array of dance studios and performance spaces, including the highly functional Studio Y (their renowned Black Box Theater), Studio G, and Studio E, along with Studio H and many others. Each space is meticulously designed and equipped to cater to various capacities and artistic activities. It’s a place where professional dancers hone their craft, emerging artists find their voice, and the community comes together to experience the magic of movement. Even with ongoing construction and continuous improvements to enhance the facilities, the spirit of creativity and professionalism shines through, with a consistently friendly and accommodating staff. The facility also proudly offers comprehensive artistic development programs and vital community action initiatives, further cementing its role as a cornerstone for the dance community in New York City and a significant force for social change through the arts. Founded in 1991 as a dance company with a social mission, Gibney has evolved into a two-location powerhouse, becoming the largest nonprofit provider of artistic rehearsal space in the United States.

Gibney 280 Broadway is strategically located in the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan, a prime spot for easy access from various parts of New York City. You'll find it at 53A Chambers St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007, USA. While the larger facility is broadly known as 280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA, please note the specific primary entrance for Gibney's spaces is at 53A Chambers Street, leading to the 2nd Floor. This historic building, originally a dry-goods store known as the "Marble Palace" and a State and National Historic Landmark, offers a unique blend of architectural heritage and modern functionality, meticulously renovated to serve the performing arts.

Its proximity to a multitude of subway lines ensures that getting to Gibney is incredibly convenient from nearly anywhere in the city. You can reach it easily via the:

• R/W trains to City Hall

• 4/5/6 trains to City Hall / Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall

• J/M/Z trains to Chambers Street

• A/C/E trains to Chambers Street

• 1/2/3 trains to Chambers Street / Park Place

Additionally, numerous MTA bus routes, including the M1, M2, M3, and M55, serve the area, with stops conveniently located within a short walk of the facility. The facility's design prioritizes accommodating a wide range of artistic activities, including rehearsals, performances, and workshops, establishing it as a central and easily reachable hub for the entire dance community. Gibney is committed to accessibility for all visitors. The accessible entrance for the 280 Broadway location is shared with the New York City Department of Buildings. To access the elevator, attendees may be asked to provide a valid photo ID and go through building security, including a metal detector. Requests for after-hours or weekend access to this accessible entrance should be made three days in advance by contacting Elyse Desmond at 646.837.6809 (Voice only), or by e-mailing elyse@gibneydance.org. The facility also features elevators/ramps to all areas, gender-neutral restrooms, showers, and lockers, further enhancing its accessibility and convenience for all users. They also make efforts to offer ASL interpreting and captioning for online events, and can accommodate specific requests for in-person events if notified in advance via their Access Requests and Inquiries Form. Gibney strives to be a scent-free environment to accommodate those with chemical sensitivities, requesting visitors to refrain from wearing scented products.

Gibney 280 Broadway provides a comprehensive suite of services designed not only to support and elevate the performing arts, particularly dance, but also to foster social change through movement. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from this multifaceted organization:

• Studio and Performance Space Rentals: As the largest nonprofit provider of artistic rehearsal space in the United States, Gibney 280 Broadway offers an extensive selection of versatile studio spaces for rent, totaling fourteen studios at this location alone. This includes their renowned Black Box Theater (Studio Y) and popular rehearsal studios like G and E, as well as Studio H and many others. These spaces cater to a wide spectrum of needs, from individual practice and intimate group rehearsals to large-scale workshops, classes, and full-scale public performances.

  • Affordable Rates: Gibney offers significantly subsidized rates for non-profit performing arts organizations and individual artists, making high-quality space accessible to the broader creative community. They also provide special offers like half-price rentals for early-bird bookings (8am-10am Monday-Friday) and for rentals requested 24 hours or less in advance, subject to availability. Full-price options are also available for various commercial uses, special events, photoshoots, and filming projects. Rates for non-profit rehearsal rentals range from $9.00-$40.00/HR, while event rentals are $100-$300/HR plus a required staffing fee.

  • Flexible Booking: Options range from hourly rentals to full-day or weekly lockouts, providing flexibility for different project timelines and budgets. Showings/Open Rehearsals packages are also available for non-ticketed, donation-based events, offering a low-cost way to present new work. Note that rental cancellations less than 7 days prior to the rental date are non-refundable for non-profit rehearsal rentals.

  • Booking Information: For specific inquiries regarding capacity limits for different rental types, detailed pricing, and availability, contacting the Gibney Rental team directly at rentals@gibneydance.org is highly recommended. Renters must be at least 18 years old. Operating hours for 280 Broadway are typically 8:00am – 10:00pm on weekdays, and 10:00am – 10:00pm on weekends.

• Artistic Development Programs: Gibney is deeply committed to nurturing artists at every stage of their career through robust programs that go far beyond just providing physical space. These programs aim to cultivate versatile collaborators and equip artists with the tools to flourish in the contemporary dance field:

  • GibneyPRO Professional Certificate Program: A rigorous, multi-month program (offered in Fall and Spring semesters) providing intensive training. The comprehensive curriculum includes work with renowned guest choreographers, a diverse range of technique classes (such as Ballet, Contemporary, Countertechnique, Gaga/dancers, Chuthis Ideas, Dynamic Sequencing, Floorwork, Irene Dowd anatomical sequences, Qi Gong, and Afro-House Fusion), and crucial professional development workshops on topics like financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This program also includes dedicated mentorship, close connection with Gibney Company Artistic Associates, and informal and final showings of participant work. Notably, Gibney sponsors M-1 Student Visas for eligible international participants, expanding its reach globally.

  • Gibney Independent Training Program: A flexible program (available in 3, 6, 9, or 12-month durations) allowing artists to tailor their professional-level training. Participants can choose tracks in Contemporary Dance, Choreographic Process, Ballet Studies, or design a self-directed Independent Study. It emphasizes artistic and physical development, critical thinking, community building, and artist-entrepreneurship, with guidance from artistic advisors and one-on-one support.

  • EMERGE: A program that commissions new works by emerging choreographic voices for the resident Gibney Company, providing comprehensive support from conception through presentation, thereby increasing visibility for new artists within the NYC dance scene.

  • Residencies and Fellowships: Offering invaluable opportunities for artists to receive exclusive, uninterrupted studio time, financial stipends, and comprehensive administrative, production, and marketing support, crucial for deep artistic exploration and creation. These often culminate in public performances or showings, providing locals with a chance to see new work in progress. Programs like Performance Opportunity Project (POP) also provide subsidized theater rental rates for non-profit companies and individual artists.

  • Classes and Workshops: Gibney regularly hosts a diverse roster of professional-level drop-in dance classes across various techniques and styles, taught by leading instructors from the NYC dance community. These classes are open to the public and cater to various skill levels, further enriching the local dance community. Single classes are $22, with discounted rates for class series (e.g., 3 classes for $63, 5 for $100, and 10 for $190). Online registration is required for all classes, making it easy for locals to sign up and participate. An $8 class, as mentioned in a review, indicates excellent value and accessibility for quality instruction, demonstrating Gibney’s commitment to making dance education available to more people.

• Community Action Programs: Reflecting Gibney's profound mission at the intersection of art and social justice, these vital programs leverage movement to effect profound social change. Key initiatives include:

  • Move to Move Beyond®: An innovative, empirically-reviewed, and evidence-based program offering the transformative power of movement to survivors of gender-based violence and their families. Launched in 1999 in partnership with Sanctuary for Families, it provides an environment for positive physical expression and has vividly demonstrated that movement, physical awareness, and creativity can play a remarkable role in healing trauma. The program has since expanded to include partners such as Safe Horizon, Barrier Free Living, Womankind, and Henry Street Settlement. It also features "Move to Move Beyond Storytellers," a performance series of original works based on lived experiences to promote advocacy and awareness.

  • Hands are for Holding®: A youth-centered workshop series developed in close partnership with Day One and the Mayor's Office to End Domestic & Gender-Based Violence. This program uses dance and movement to engage young people in crucial conversations about healthy relationships, boundaries, respect, and choice in everyday interactions, reaching over 35,000 young people across the nation in the past six years. This initiative directly contributes to building a safer and more aware community for New York's youth.

  • Community Hub and Lending Library: A physical space on the second floor of Gibney 280 Broadway that offers resources to all dance artists, including tools and information on using performing arts for social change, a database of arts and social action information, and access to a Clinical Advisor for support and guidance. This hub provides valuable resources for artists to engage in social action.

  • Research Study: In partnership with Teachers College, Columbia University, and Sanctuary for Families, Gibney conducts ongoing research to evaluate the impact of its "Move to Move Beyond" program, rigorously exploring the effects of dance and movement on the mental health and well-being of survivors of intimate partner violence. Their manuscript on these findings was published in a leading psychiatry journal, Frontiers in Psychiatry, underscoring the program's significant impact and scientific backing and helping to establish a scientific foundation for arts in healing.

• Digital Media Initiative (DMI): Gibney offers highly subsidized filming and editing services to empower artists to create high-quality digital content, including fundraising videos, documentaries, promo videos, audition reels, and performance documentation. They also provide workshops and training in this area, recognizing the growing importance of digital presence for artists in today's landscape. This unique service greatly benefits local artists who may not otherwise have access to professional media production, helping them to advance their careers and reach wider audiences. The DMI workroom is conveniently located near Studio G.

Gibney 280 Broadway stands out due to its thoughtfully designed spaces and excellent amenities, creating an optimal environment for dance, rehearsal, and performance. Here are some key features and highlights that make it a premier destination for the NYC dance community:

• Studio Y (Black Box Theater): This is the facility's premier performance and large rehearsal space, a true centerpiece for artistic creation and presentation.

  • Description: Gibney’s versatile Black Box Theater is fully equipped with a professional lighting grid and comprehensive blackout curtains, making it incredibly adaptable for both intensive rehearsals and full-fledged public performances. It's an ideal setting for showcasing new choreography or intimate theatrical productions.
  • Dimensions: A spacious 64’ x 26’, providing ample room for dynamic movement and diverse staging.
  • Capacity: Comfortably accommodates 35 people for non-profit rehearsal rentals. For larger events or other rental types (e.g., ticketed performances, which can have higher audience capacities), the Gibney Rental team can provide specific capacity limits to ensure safety and optimal use of space.
  • Ceiling Height: An impressive actual height of 13’, with the functional lighting grid positioned at 11’3”, allowing for sophisticated lighting designs and even certain aerial work if applicable.
  • Flooring: Features Black Marley over a sprung wooden floor, offering exceptional support, shock absorption, and resilience. This specialized flooring is crucial for dancers’ safety, comfort, and long-term joint health during rigorous training and performances.
  • Sound System: Equipped with high-quality components including VRL PC-815L, Denon Professional DN-410X, and DN0500CB, ensuring professional-grade, crisp, and clear audio for all activities, from subtle musical cues to powerful soundtracks.
  • Additional Features: Includes portable mirrors for flexible viewing angles during rehearsals, blackout blinds for complete control over ambient light during performances, and a soundproof door to ensure undisturbed creative work and immersive audience experiences. For optimal floor maintenance and dancer safety, shoes are prohibited in Studio Y.

• Studio G: A popular choice for medium-sized groups and diverse activities, known for its natural light.

  • Description: A well-appointed medium-sized studio with built-in mirrors and three North-facing windows that allow for abundant natural light, creating a bright and invigorating atmosphere conducive to creativity. It is conveniently located adjacent to the main theater space, a public kitchen (which notably offers complimentary coffee to renters!), and the Digital Media Initiative workroom, providing convenient access to additional resources.
  • Dimensions: A practical 20’ x 42’, offering comfortable space for classes and rehearsals.
  • Capacity: Suitable for 17 people for non-profit rehearsal rentals. For other uses, it's best to consult the Gibney Rental team for accurate capacity to ensure compliance and comfort.
  • Ceiling Height: A generous 13’, contributing to an open and airy feel that enhances movement.
  • Flooring: Harlequin Cascade (Black); a highly resilient and durable surface specifically designed for dance, providing excellent grip and cushioning.
  • Sound System: Equipped with TrippLite, Tascam CD-A700, and MixMate 2-RM75, ensuring reliable and clear audio for music and instruction.
  • Additional Features: Features permanent mirrors on the East wall for consistent feedback during practice. Importantly, indoor sneakers are allowed in Studio G, offering flexibility for different dance styles and activities.

• Studio E: A bright and inspiring space, distinguished by its unique skylight.

  • Description: A rectangular space distinguished by a stunning skylight that floods the room with natural light, creating an inviting and open atmosphere ideal for creativity and well-being. It is conveniently situated near restrooms and a water fountain for ease of access during long sessions.
  • Dimensions: A spacious 23’ x 52’, providing ample room for dynamic movement and larger group work.
  • Capacity: Accommodates 24 people for non-profit rehearsal rentals. As with other studios, consult the Gibney Rental team for capacities for different rental types to ensure accurate planning for your event.
  • Ceiling Height: A high 13’, enhancing the sense of space and freedom of movement.
  • Flooring: Harlequin Cascade (Grey); another resilient and highly durable surface suitable for various dance disciplines, offering consistent performance and safety.
  • Sound System: Includes Tascam CD-200 and MixMate 2 RM75, providing quality sound for classes and rehearsals.
  • Additional Features: Equipped with permanent mirrors on the East wall for visual feedback, allows indoor sneakers, and its unique skylight is a notable highlight that enhances the creative environment and makes it a particularly pleasant space to work in.

• Professional and Welcoming Staff: A consistently praised aspect of Gibney 280 Broadway is its incredibly friendly, accommodating, and professional staff. Even during periods of building development or minor construction, the team ensures a positive and supportive experience for all visitors, from first-time renters to seasoned artists. Customer reviews frequently highlight the helpfulness and expertise of instructors, like Catie, who are noted for being "nice and a very good dancer." This dedication to excellent service ensures a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who steps through their doors. Staff are readily available to assist with inquiries about rentals, programs, and accessibility.

• Comfortable and Well-Maintained Environment: Despite any ongoing construction (which signifies continuous improvement and expansion), the studios are consistently described as roomy and air-conditioned, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for intense rehearsals, demanding classes, and captivating performances. The commitment to maintaining high standards of comfort and functionality is evident throughout the facility. Gibney's two locations (280 Broadway and 890 Broadway in Union Square) collectively boast 23 studios and 5 performance spaces across 55,000 square feet, emphasizing their significant investment in the dance community's needs and their position as a major resource in NYC.

• Historic Building with Modern Amenities: Originally constructed in 1846 as the "Marble Palace," Gibney 280 Broadway is listed as a State and National Historic Landmark and an individually designated NYC landmark. The extensive renovation by LI · SALTZMAN ARCHITECTS PC transformed the 32,000 square foot second floor into a state-of-the-art performing arts venue while preserving historic elements like cast-iron columns, plaster walls, and arches. This blend of historic charm and cutting-edge functionality makes it a truly unique and inspiring place to create and experience art. The facility features flexible spaces designed to meet state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance requirements, including acoustic isolation, specialized sprung floors, barrier-free access, and advanced technological options for sound and lighting.

• Additional Amenities: Beyond the studios, Gibney 280 Broadway offers accessible restrooms, showers, and lockers for convenience. They also provide comfortable common areas and a public kitchen with complimentary coffee, fostering a sense of community and providing essential amenities for artists during long rehearsal days. The space is thoughtfully designed to create a productive and supportive environment for artists, offering a true home for the dance community.

For all inquiries, bookings, and more information about services, programs, or events, you can reach Gibney 280 Broadway using the following details:

• Address: 53A Chambers St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007, USA (Official facility address: 280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA)

• Phone: (646) 837-6809

• Mobile Phone: +1 646-837-6809

• Email: For specific rental inquiries, it is highly recommended to contact rentals@gibneydance.org. For accessibility requests or inquiries, you may email elyse@gibneydance.org. For general information, program details, and to explore performance schedules and current offerings, you can also visit their official website: gibneydance.org.

For New Yorkers, Gibney 280 Broadway isn't just another performing arts venue; it's an essential pillar of the city's artistic and social landscape. Its strategic Lower Manhattan location ensures effortless access for residents across all boroughs, making it a convenient destination for artists, students, and audiences alike. Whether you're a professional dancer seeking top-tier rehearsal space with specialized sprung flooring, an aspiring performer looking for comprehensive developmental programs and mentorship, or simply a local eager to experience cutting-edge dance performances and engage with impactful social action initiatives, Gibney 280 Broadway caters to your diverse needs with unparalleled dedication.

The dedicated, professional, and genuinely friendly staff create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, even amidst any ongoing improvements, ensuring that every visit is a positive and productive one. The studios themselves, with their state-of-the-art sound systems, ample natural light (like Studio E’s stunning skylight), and versatile blackout capabilities, are meticulously designed with the artist in mind. From the intimate black box setting of Studio Y, perfect for refining new choreography, to the spacious and bright Studio G, ideal for daily classes, there’s a perfect environment for every creative endeavor, allowing artists to push boundaries and develop their best work right here in the city. The commitment to providing roomy and air-conditioned spaces ensures comfort even during intense sessions.

Beyond its impressive physical infrastructure, Gibney 280 Broadway is a true community hub. It actively fosters connections, encourages collaboration, and provides vital resources for the entire dance world through its extensive artistic development programs. Moreover, its groundbreaking Community Action initiatives, such as "Move to Move Beyond®" aiding survivors of gender-based violence and "Hands are for Holding®" promoting healthy relationships among youth, demonstrate a profound commitment to leveraging the transformative power of movement for social good. This makes Gibney a truly unique and impactful organization in New York City, extending its reach far beyond the stage. It's a place where local talent can thrive, new works can be born, and the performing arts continue to flourish, inspiring personal transformation and catalyzing social change. By engaging with Gibney 280 Broadway, you're not just accessing excellent facilities and programs; you're actively investing in and contributing to the vibrant cultural heartbeat and social progress of your own city. Discover your next artistic inspiration, perfect your craft, or simply enjoy a world-class performance – all within your reach at Gibney 280 Broadway.

Gibney 280 Broadway

53A Chambers St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007, USA