Notes in Motion

For families, educators, and art enthusiasts across the vibrant boroughs of New York City, Notes in Motion, operating as Notes in Motion/Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, stands as a pivotal force in bringing the transformative power of dance to life. This esteemed dance theatre company, founded in 2000, is renowned for its dual commitment: producing original, dynamic dance theatre performances and providing extensive, inclusive arts-in-education programs within the NYC Public Schools.

At its core, Notes in Motion is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of arts appreciators and fostering self-discovery through movement. They operate with a profound mission to offer access, nurture community, and promote individual expression and freedom. This commitment extends to actively breaking down barriers of systematic racism and oppression, ensuring that dance is accessible and empowering for all. They recruit diverse teaching artists, dancers, staff, and board members to reflect and celebrate the diverse populations they serve across all five boroughs, reaching students from 3K to 12th grade.

The Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre component of Notes in Motion creates original and dynamic dance theatre productions that truly activate emotional expression. Through an interplay of athletic and articulate motion, their theatrical works engage audiences from start to finish, beckoning a response of thought, feeling, and soul. These performances often pivot around core themes, weaving together pedestrian motion, emotional expression, character, and narrative into abstract collages. This collaborative choreographic process not only nurtures a network of talented artists but also actively engages the community.

For New Yorkers, Notes in Motion/Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre represents a unique blend of artistic excellence and profound community impact. They are a vendor of the NYC Department of Education, ensuring that their programs align with the "Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts." This deep integration within the public school system means that thousands of students annually benefit from high-quality dance instruction that extends beyond mere steps, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. This dual focus on captivating performance and inclusive education makes them an indispensable part of the cultural and educational landscape of our city.

Notes in Motion / Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre is centrally located at the Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio, 412 Broadway 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA. This address places the organization in the bustling and historically rich neighborhood of Tribeca, in Lower Manhattan. The location is an integral part of New York City's vibrant arts and culture scene, making it highly accessible for both local and broader NYC communities.

Broadway, being one of Manhattan's most iconic avenues, ensures excellent visibility and ease of navigation. The studio's position on the second floor provides a dedicated space for dance instruction and administrative operations, fostering a focused and inspiring environment. Tribeca itself is well-served by an extensive network of public transportation, which is crucial for residents across the five boroughs. Multiple subway lines are within easy walking distance, including the N, Q, R, W, J, Z, 6, A, C, and E trains at various nearby stations such as Canal Street and Franklin Street. This robust transit access makes it incredibly convenient for students, teaching artists, and staff traveling from all corners of New York City.

Furthermore, the neighborhood offers a rich array of amenities, including dining, shopping, and other cultural venues, making it an appealing destination. While street parking can be challenging in Manhattan, the excellent public transportation options mitigate this concern, emphasizing the studio's commitment to accessibility for all New Yorkers. The ADA compliant venue also ensures that the space is welcoming and usable for individuals with diverse needs, reflecting their inclusive mission.

Notes in Motion / Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre offers a comprehensive range of services centered on both dance performance and extensive arts education, primarily within the New York City Public Schools system. Their programs are designed to be inclusive, dynamic, and tailored to meet diverse needs.

• Dance Education Programs (Notes in Motion):
  • In-School Residencies: Customized, long-term dance programs integrated into school curricula for PreK-12th grades (including D75, Multi-Language Learners, Students with Disabilities).
  • After-School Programs: Engaging dance instruction offered after regular school hours.
  • Community/Family Programs: Dance experiences designed for broader community engagement beyond the school day.
  • Diverse Dance Styles: Instruction in a wide array of genres including modern/creative dance, ballet, jazz, tap, African, hip hop, ballroom, Latin, and yoga.
  • The Movement Exchange Method: Their singular approach that combines technical instruction with creative skill-building and collaborative learning, fostering self-discovery, risk-taking, and connections between different topics.
  • Professional Development: Training and support for classroom teachers to integrate dance into their curricula.
  • Interactive Performances: Engaging performances designed for school and community audiences.
• Dance Theatre Performances (Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre):
  • Original Dance Theatre Productions: Creation and presentation of new, dynamic dance works that explore core themes through athletic and expressive movement, engaging audiences intellectually and emotionally.
  • Public Performances: Offering regular performances in New York City venues, showcasing the company's repertoire and artistic vision.
  • Open Rehearsals and Informal Showings: Providing audiences with insights into the creative process and developing work.
• Studio Classes & Workshops:
  • Youth Dance Classes: Structured classes for various age groups (e.g., Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet for ages 3-4, Modern Fundamentals for ages 5-8, Jazz Dance for ages 7-10, Hip Hop for ages 7-12).
  • Adult Dance Classes: Offerings for adults, such as Ballet Fundamentals, Contemporary Partnering, Contemporary Jazz Fusion, and Latin Dance Fundamentals.
  • Special Workshops: Themed workshops and master classes with guest artists (e.g., Contemporary Partnering with Michelle Thompson Ulerich & Caleb Patterson, Contemporary Jazz Fusion with Isaac Kerr).
• Community Engagement:
  • Organizing and participating in community events and performances.
  • Providing access to videos, photos, and interactive tools on their website to include audiences in the creative process.

Notes in Motion / Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its significant impact on the New York City arts and education landscape:

• Dual Mission of Performance & Education: A unique strength is their commitment to both creating high-quality, emotionally resonant dance theatre and providing extensive, inclusive arts education. This dual focus enriches both the professional dance scene and countless lives in the public school system.
• Deep Integration with NYC Public Schools: As a trusted vendor of the NYC Department of Education since 2000, Notes in Motion has established long-lasting arts partnerships with over 140 schools, reaching nearly 200,000 students across all five boroughs. Their programs are custom-tailored to each school's needs and align with the DOE's "Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts."
• The Movement Exchange Method: This singular, proprietary approach to dance education combines technical instruction with creative skill-building and collaborative learning. It fosters self-discovery, risk-taking, and helps students connect dance with other academic subjects, making learning holistic and engaging.
• Commitment to Equity and Access: The organization is rooted in a mission of "offering access, nurturing community, and promoting individual expression and freedom." They actively recruit diverse teaching artists, dancers, staff, and board members to reflect and empower the diverse populations they serve, actively working to break down barriers of systematic racism and oppression.
• Highly Qualified Teaching Artists: They boast an Education Ensemble of 50 experienced Teaching Artists with advanced degrees and extensive performance and choreography backgrounds in various dance styles, ensuring high-quality instruction.
• Versatile Dance Curriculum: Their educational programs offer a wide array of dance genres, including modern/creative dance, ballet, jazz, tap, African, hip hop, ballroom, Latin, and yoga, catering to diverse student interests and cultural backgrounds.
• Artistic Vision of Amanda Selwyn: The theatrical arm, Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, consistently produces original and dynamic works that activate emotional expression and engage audiences deeply. Amanda Selwyn's collaborative choreographic process nurtures a network of artists and actively engages the community.
• Community Building and Collaboration: Notes in Motion is dedicated to fostering community through dance, collaborating with classroom teachers, engaging parents, and inspiring the greater school community through culminating performances and interactive events.
• ADA Compliant Venue: Their studio on Broadway is fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all individuals, reinforcing their commitment to inclusion.

For inquiries about booking dance education programs for schools or communities, registering for studio classes and workshops, or learning more about Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre's performances, connecting with Notes in Motion is straightforward. Their dedicated team is ready to assist New Yorkers in engaging with the transformative power of dance.

• Address: Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio, 412 Broadway 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA
• Phone: (212) 995-9446

Notes in Motion / Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre is exceptionally suitable for locals in New York City for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its deep and long-standing integration with the NYC Public Schools means that countless local children across all five boroughs have direct access to high-quality, inclusive dance education right within their own schools. This not only introduces dance to a broad and diverse student population but also enhances their overall educational experience, fostering creativity, self-expression, and vital life skills.

Secondly, the organization's central location at 412 Broadway in Tribeca makes it highly accessible via numerous subway lines, which is crucial for navigating our city. This convenience allows individuals and families from all over New York to easily attend adult dance classes, youth programs, and performances by the Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre. Having a fully ADA compliant venue further reinforces their commitment to serving the entire community.

Moreover, Notes in Motion's unwavering dedication to equity, access, and promoting individual freedom through dance resonates deeply with the diverse and inclusive spirit of New York City. By actively recruiting diverse teaching artists and tailoring programs to specific school needs, they truly embody a community-first approach. For New Yorkers who value vibrant arts, quality education, and organizations that are agents of positive change, Notes in Motion / Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre stands as an invaluable and inspiring local resource.

Notes in Motion

Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio, 412 Broadway 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA