Martha Myers Studio at College Center at Crozier-Williams

For residents of Connecticut, particularly those in the southeastern region, the Martha Myers Studio at the College Center at Crozier-Williams in New London stands as a significant cultural and artistic landmark. Located within the esteemed Connecticut College, this studio is far more than just a classroom; it is a vibrant performance space and a key component of the college's rich dance tradition. Named in honor of Martha Myers, a visionary dance educator who founded the college's dance department, the studio carries a legacy of modern dance excellence. It serves as a dynamic venue for student productions, guest artist performances, and innovative artistic explorations, making it a compelling destination for anyone in Connecticut interested in experiencing contemporary dance and interdisciplinary arts.

The Martha Myers Studio plays a crucial role in the academic and artistic life of Connecticut College and the wider New London community. It frequently hosts performances by the college's Dance Club, student choreographers, and various arts and technology projects. These events often showcase a diverse range of dance styles, including modern, jazz, and tap, as well as experimental and immersive performances that blend dance with sound and visual arts. The studio's ability to transform into a "blackbox theater" highlights its versatility, allowing for intimate and impactful presentations. It embodies the deep tradition of dance at Connecticut College, which famously hosted the American Dance Festival for many years, featuring luminaries like Martha Graham, José Limón, and Merce Cunningham. For Connecticut locals, attending an event at the Martha Myers Studio offers a unique opportunity to witness emerging talent and innovative choreography in a space steeped in dance history.

The Martha Myers Studio is situated within the College Center at Crozier-Williams, located at Connecticut College in New London, CT 06320, USA. This placement within the college campus makes it part of a larger educational and cultural institution. For residents across Connecticut, New London is accessible via major roadways, including I-95, making driving a straightforward option. Connecticut College itself is located on a scenic campus, and directions to the College Center at Crozier-Williams are typically well-marked upon entering the campus.

While specific parking details for the Crozier-Williams building may vary depending on the event and time, visitor parking is generally available on campus. For those utilizing public transportation, New London is a hub for Amtrak and Shore Line East commuter rail services, providing connections from various parts of Connecticut and beyond. Local bus services within New London can also provide access to the college area. The studio itself is typically found on the third floor of the College Center, ensuring it's a dedicated space within the student hub. Its location within a renowned college means that visitors can also enjoy the broader campus environment before or after attending a performance, making it a culturally enriching outing for any Connecticut resident.

The Martha Myers Studio at College Center at Crozier-Williams primarily functions as a versatile performance and rehearsal space, catering largely to the artistic endeavors of Connecticut College and its affiliated programs. While it may not offer regularly scheduled public dance classes in the traditional sense, its services largely revolve around facilitating artistic creation and presentation:

• Performance Venue: The studio regularly serves as a venue for student dance performances, including shows by the Connecticut College Dance Club, senior showcases, and departmental productions.
• Rehearsal Space: It provides a dedicated and professional environment for student and faculty choreographers to rehearse new works and refine existing pieces.
• Workshop and Master Class Host: Occasionally, the studio hosts workshops and master classes led by faculty, visiting artists, or alumni, offering specialized training opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary Arts Events: As part of the Ammerman Center for Arts & Technology, the studio often hosts unique interdisciplinary performances that combine dance with sound art, film, and other technological elements.
• Blackbox Theater Setup: The studio can be reconfigured into a blackbox theater, providing flexibility for various staging needs and creating an intimate performance atmosphere.
• Academic and Research Space: It serves as a vital component of Connecticut College's Dance Department, supporting academic studies, choreographic research, and movement exploration.

The Martha Myers Studio is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a notable point of interest for the arts community in Connecticut.

• Legacy of Modern Dance: Named after Martha Myers, a pivotal figure in modern dance education and the founder of Connecticut College's Dance Department, the studio is steeped in a rich history of dance innovation. It's a space where modern dance trailblazers like Martha Graham, José Limón, and Merce Cunningham once taught and performed during the American Dance Festival's residency at the college.
• Versatile Performance Space: The ability to function as a "blackbox theater" allows for diverse staging, lighting, and audience configurations, making it adaptable for a wide range of performances, from intimate solos to larger ensemble pieces.
• Hub for Student Choreography: It provides a crucial platform for Connecticut College students to develop, choreograph, and perform their own original works in various styles, including modern, jazz, and tap.
• Interdisciplinary Arts Focus: Being connected to the Ammerman Center for Arts & Technology, the studio often facilitates cutting-edge performances that merge dance with new media, sound art, and technological innovations, pushing artistic boundaries.
• Cultural Asset to New London: By regularly hosting public performances and events, the studio contributes significantly to the cultural vibrancy of New London and offers unique artistic experiences to the wider Connecticut community.
• Part of a Prestigious Institution: As a facility within Connecticut College, it benefits from the resources and academic rigor of a renowned liberal arts institution.
• Support for Emerging Artists: It serves as a launchpad for emerging student choreographers and dancers, providing them with essential professional performance experience.

As the Martha Myers Studio is primarily an internal facility of Connecticut College, direct public phone numbers dedicated solely to the studio itself are not typically provided. For general inquiries about events, performances, or departmental information related to the studio, it is best to contact the Connecticut College main phone lines or the Department of Dance directly.

Address: New London, CT 06320, USA (within Connecticut College's College Center at Crozier-Williams)

For event information or general inquiries, you may find relevant contacts through:

• Connecticut College general information: (860) 439-2000 (main switchboard)
• Connecticut College Department of Dance (for specific dance programs or events at the studio): (860) 439-2830 (often listed for dance department inquiries)
• Connecticut College Box Office (for ticketed events): (860) 439-2787 or visit onstage.conncoll.edu

For locals in Connecticut, particularly those with an interest in the performing arts and contemporary dance, the Martha Myers Studio at College Center at Crozier-Williams in New London is an ideal destination. Its suitability stems from its unique role as a dynamic performance space within a historically rich academic setting. For those seeking to experience innovative and cutting-edge dance, the studio consistently hosts student-choreographed pieces and interdisciplinary arts events, offering a fresh perspective on movement and technology. This provides an excellent opportunity to see emerging talent and diverse styles right in your backyard, rather than needing to travel to larger metropolitan centers.

Moreover, the studio's legacy, having hosted the American Dance Festival for decades and being named after a giant in modern dance education, imbues every performance with a sense of historical significance. This connection to the roots of modern dance, combined with contemporary student work, creates a truly enriching cultural experience for Connecticut residents. It's a place where you can witness the evolution of dance and support local artistic endeavors. Whether you're a dance enthusiast, a parent supporting a student, or simply looking for a unique cultural outing in Connecticut, the Martha Myers Studio offers a compelling and easily accessible venue to engage with the vibrant world of dance and performance.

Martha Myers Studio at College Center at Crozier-Williams

New London, CT 06320, USA