Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation

In the heart of South Los Angeles stands a powerful cultural institution that has enriched the lives of countless individuals through the transformative art of dance: the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation. Established by Lula and Erwin Washington in 1980, this foundation is far more than just a dance studio; it is a vibrant hub dedicated to fostering artistic expression, building community, and providing exceptional dance training, particularly for minority artists and youth in underserved areas. It embodies a profound commitment to using dance as a tool for education, inspiration, and social commentary, reflecting the rich tapestry of African-American history and culture.

The Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation operates with an ambitious mission: to build a world-class contemporary modern dance company that tours globally, showcasing works that profoundly reflect African-American culture and history. Alongside this, their educational mission is equally vital: to create a school in the inner city where young people can learn the art of dance, launch careers, and where dance is used to motivate, educate, inspire, challenge, and enrich lives, helping them become successful, productive, and competitive citizens. This dual focus on artistic excellence and community empowerment makes the foundation a unique and invaluable asset to the Los Angeles cultural landscape.

What truly sets the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation apart, as consistently highlighted by appreciative students and audience members, is the profound care and dedication of Lula Washington herself, along with her exemplary staff. They are committed to providing individualized attention, ensuring that each student's talents are recognized and nurtured. This is evident in their thoughtful class sizes and how they showcase individual abilities in recitals and performances. The foundation's commitment to affordability, particularly through programs like "I Do Dance, Not Drugs!", ensures that financial barriers do not prevent passionate young dancers from receiving the gifted training they deserve. This unwavering dedication to quality, accessibility, and community upliftment has cemented the foundation's status as a beacon of artistic and social change in Los Angeles.

The Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation is strategically located at 3773 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant and culturally significant neighborhood of South Los Angeles, making it a central and accessible point for residents across a wide range of communities, including Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, and other surrounding areas within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region. The foundation’s presence on Crenshaw Boulevard, a major and historic artery of South Los Angeles, ensures high visibility and ease of navigation for both local and visiting patrons.

For those traveling by car, the location offers convenient access, often with free street parking available in the vicinity during class and event times, which is a significant advantage in a city where parking can be a challenge. The proximity to major thoroughfares and public transportation routes further enhances its accessibility. Several Metro bus lines operate along Crenshaw Boulevard, providing direct access to the foundation from various parts of Los Angeles. This robust public transit connectivity ensures that individuals and families from diverse neighborhoods can easily reach the studio, aligning with the foundation’s mission of community accessibility.

The foundation also frequently hosts performances and events at its studio theater, making it not only a place of learning but also a local cultural venue. This dual function further integrates it into the fabric of the community, making it a convenient and enriching destination for locals interested in both participating in and witnessing the art of dance.

The Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance programs and services, catering to students of all ages and skill levels, from their very first steps to aspiring professionals. Their curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in various dance techniques while fostering artistic growth and cultural appreciation.

• Dance School Classes: The school offers elementary and advanced classes in a variety of styles, including:
  • Modern Dance: A core component, emphasizing expressive movement and diverse choreographic styles.
  • Jazz Dance: High-energy classes focusing on rhythm, style, and popular jazz techniques.
  • Ballet: Essential for building foundational technique, strength, and grace, offered across various levels.
  • African Dance: Exploring traditional and contemporary African dance forms, emphasizing rhythm, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
  • Tap Dance: Classes that develop rhythmic precision and intricate footwork.
• Youth Programs (Tiny Tots & Pre Steps Levels): Structured programs for children and teenagers, designed for age-appropriate learning and progression:
  • Tiny Tots C (ages 3-6): For those new to dance.
  • Tiny Tots B (ages 4-8): For returning students or those matriculated from Tiny Tots C.
  • Tiny Tots A (ages 5-10): Invitation-only for students preparing for higher levels.
  • Pre Steps Level 1 (ages 7-15): First-time dance experience, with assessment for placement.
  • Pre Steps Level 2 (ages 8-15): Beginning to intermediate students with some experience.
  • Pre Steps 3 (ages 10-18): Beginning to advanced students.
• Adult Classes (18+): Catering to beginning to advanced adult dancers looking to learn, return to dance, or maintain fitness.
• Lula Washington Dance Theatre (Professional Company): A nationally and internationally recognized modern dance company that performs powerful, high-energy works reflecting African-American culture and history, choreographed by Lula Washington and other acclaimed artists.
• Youth Dance Ensemble (YDE) & Children's Jazz Dance Ensemble (CJDE): Opportunities for talented youth to gain public performance experience and exposure to the field of professional dance.
• "I Do Dance, Not Drugs!" Scholarship Program: Provides full and partial scholarships to children from low-income families, making dance education accessible to youth in areas with high drug and gang problems.
• Summer Dance Camp: Intensive programs offered during the summer for concentrated dance training.
• Community Space & Rentals: The studio serves as a versatile community space for meetings, performances, and events, used by independent artists for various dance styles (Afro-Cuban, Senegalese, Nigerian), drumming, acting, and stage play readings.
• Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: A cherished South Los Angeles tradition, showcasing student talent and celebrating African-American heritage.

The Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation is distinguished by a multitude of features and highlights that underscore its profound impact on the dance world and the local community:

• World-Class Artistic Vision: Led by the acclaimed Lula Washington, the foundation is committed to producing and performing contemporary modern dance works that are not only aesthetically powerful but also deeply rooted in African-American history and culture, often addressing social and humanitarian issues with unique choreography.
• Commitment to Accessibility and Community: As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, a core mission is to provide affordable and free dance training to inner-city youth, particularly through the "I Do Dance, Not Drugs!" scholarship program. This dedication ensures that dance is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background.
• Exceptional Instruction & Individual Attention: Students consistently praise Lula Washington and her staff for their care in training, creating small classes that accommodate individual needs. They excel at showcasing each student's talents during performances.
• Diverse Dance Styles & Comprehensive Training: The school offers a wide array of dance styles including modern, jazz, ballet, African, and tap, providing students with a well-rounded and versatile dance education.
• Renowned Professional Dance Company: The Lula Washington Dance Theatre is a nationally and internationally touring company, offering students and local audiences the opportunity to witness high-caliber professional performances and be inspired by accomplished dancers.
• Holistic Youth Development: Beyond dance technique, the programs emphasize motivating, educating, inspiring, challenging, and enriching the lives of young people, helping them become successful, productive, and competitive citizens.
• Vibrant Performance Opportunities: Students have multiple opportunities to perform in recitals and events, including the annual Kwanzaa Celebration, which is a significant community tradition. The professional company also offers numerous local and touring performances.
• Cultural Significance: The foundation plays a vital role in preserving and promoting African-American dance forms and narratives, making it a cultural cornerstone in Los Angeles.
• Supportive Leadership: The collaborative leadership of Lula and Erwin Washington, along with their daughter Tamica Washington-Miller and Musical Director Marcus L. Miller, creates a robust and inspiring environment.

To connect with the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation for class inquiries, donations, or performance information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3773 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016, USA

Phone: (323) 292-5852

Mobile Phone: +1 323-292-5852

For locals in California, particularly those residing in the dynamic and diverse communities of Los Angeles, the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation is an exceptionally suitable and deeply valuable institution. Its multifaceted approach, combining a world-class professional dance company with a community-focused dance school, offers unparalleled opportunities right in our backyard. For parents, the availability of affordable and even free classes for youth, through programs like "I Do Dance, Not Drugs!", is a game-changer, ensuring that every child with a passion for dance can pursue their dreams, regardless of economic background. This commitment to accessibility aligns perfectly with the diverse and inclusive spirit of California.

Beyond the practical benefits, the foundation offers profound cultural enrichment. By focusing on contemporary modern dance that reflects African-American history and culture, it provides a vital space for artistic expression, education, and social commentary. For locals, this means access to performances that are not only breathtaking but also thought-provoking and deeply resonant. Students benefit from instructors who genuinely care about individual progress, fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and celebrated during recitals and performances. Whether you're an aspiring dancer, a parent seeking enriching activities for your child, or simply a lover of compelling dance, the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation offers a unique and inspiring experience that truly enriches the cultural fabric of Los Angeles and beyond. It’s a place where art, education, and community converge to uplift and empower.

Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation

3773 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016, USA