Off Center Dance Theatre

For New York residents, especially those in Westchester County, discovering a local organization that seamlessly blends artistic excellence with profound community impact is truly inspiring. Off Center Dance Theatre (OCDT), based right here in Mamaroneck, is precisely such an entity. Established in 1991 by Joe Antony Cavise, OCDT has evolved from primarily a performance vehicle for young professional dancers into a robust philanthropic organization. It operates with a powerful dual mission: delivering captivating dance performances and engaging in vital community outreach, making it a unique and cherished asset within our New York community.

Off Center Dance Theatre is more than just a dance company; it's a testament to the transformative power of the arts. While showcasing the talent of its Youth Ensemble and professional dancers, OCDT also dedicates itself to enriching the community by empowering challenged and under-resourced youth through interactive dance workshops. This innovative approach means that dance becomes a tool for inspiration, engagement, and personal growth for children who might otherwise lack such opportunities.

For local New Yorkers, OCDT represents an extraordinary example of how artistic endeavors can serve a greater purpose. The organization’s commitment to community service, particularly its work with children's organizations throughout the Tri-State area like Ronald McDonald House and Blythedale Children's Hospital, highlights its philanthropic heart. When you learn about Off Center Dance Theatre, you're discovering a group that not only contributes to the vibrant arts scene in Westchester but also actively works to uplift and inspire the most vulnerable members of our community, making it a truly suitable and commendable point of interest for local residents.

Off Center Dance Theatre is primarily associated with and operates out of facilities located at 273 Halstead Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543, USA. This address places it firmly within the bustling and accessible community of Mamaroneck, a well-known village in Westchester County, New York. Halstead Avenue is a significant street in the area, contributing to the ease with which local residents can find and access the organization's base of operations.

Mamaroneck's location within Westchester County provides excellent accessibility for a wide range of New York residents. For those traveling by car, the studio's proximity to major roadways such as I-95 (New England Thruway) and the Hutchinson River Parkway makes for a relatively straightforward commute from various parts of Westchester, including towns like Larchmont, Rye, Scarsdale, and New Rochelle. Ample parking options are typically available in the vicinity of Halstead Avenue, which is a key convenience for attendees of performances, workshops, or for those involved with the Youth Ensemble.

Additionally, Mamaroneck benefits from public transportation, including the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line, with the Mamaroneck station providing rail access for those coming from other parts of Westchester or even New York City. Local bus routes also service the area, further enhancing the accessibility of Off Center Dance Theatre for a broad demographic of New Yorkers. This strategic and well-connected location ensures that the organization can effectively serve both its artistic and philanthropic missions within the community.

Off Center Dance Theatre, with its dual mission of dance performance and community outreach, offers a unique set of services primarily through its Youth Ensemble and philanthropic initiatives:

• Dance Performance: The organization showcases the talent of its young professional dancers and the Off Center Dance Theatre Youth Ensemble through various performances. This includes an annual Spring Invitational Concert where OCDT hosts and invites other local youth companies as well as NYC professionals to perform, providing valuable stage experience and artistic exchange.

• Interactive Dance Workshops: A core part of their community outreach, these workshops are hosted at children's organizations throughout the Tri-State area, specifically targeting challenged and under-resourced youth. These workshops are designed to engage and empower children through movement, inspiring them to participate and work to their best capacity.

• Community Outreach Programs: OCDT members act as "goodwill ambassadors," performing in venues that serve children at risk, including renowned institutions like Ronald McDonald House, Blythedale Children's Hospital, UNICEF, HELP USA Organization, and the Maria Ferrari Children's Hospital at the Westchester Medical Center.

• Philanthropic Fundraising: The organization is actively involved in fundraising efforts for various charities. For example, OCDT has hosted multiple "Dance-a-thons" that have raised significant funds for causes like the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, demonstrating their commitment beyond just dance instruction.

• Youth Ensemble Auditions and Training: Annual auditions are held for dedicated students (typically grades 5-12) from Dance Cavise (the associated studio) who wish to join the Off Center Dance Theatre Youth Ensemble. Membership requires a serious commitment to dance, technical ability (assessed in ballet, jazz, and hip hop auditions), a positive attitude, and dedication to community service.

• Mentorship and Role Modeling: Older members of the Youth Ensemble are expected to serve as positive role models for younger members, both during rehearsals and especially during community workshops, fostering a supportive and disciplined environment.

Off Center Dance Theatre distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its unique position within the New York performing arts and non-profit landscape:

• Dual Mission of Performance & Outreach: Unlike many dance organizations, OCDT explicitly combines high-quality dance performance with a strong philanthropic focus. This dual purpose allows it to both nurture artistic talent and make a tangible positive impact on the community.

• Focus on Empowering Under-Resourced Youth: A significant highlight is its dedicated work with challenged and under-resourced youth organizations. Through interactive dance, OCDT provides inspiration, engagement, and a creative outlet for children who may face significant challenges, using dance as a vehicle for empowerment.

• Youth Ensemble as Goodwill Ambassadors: Members of the Off Center Dance Theatre Youth Ensemble are not just performers; they are actively involved in community service. This instills a sense of social responsibility and compassion in young dancers, fostering personal growth beyond technical skills.

• Professional Standards for Youth: While rooted in community service, the performance aspect maintains high professional standards. Youth Ensemble members are selected through rigorous auditions judged by NYC professionals, emphasizing technical ability, attitude, and dedication.

• Significant Philanthropic Contributions: The organization has a proven track record of fundraising for various charities through initiatives like Dance-a-thons, demonstrating a deep commitment to giving back to the wider community.

• Collaboration with Local & NYC Professionals: The annual Spring Invitational Concert not only showcases OCDT's own talent but also provides a platform for collaboration with other local youth companies and professional dancers from New York City, fostering a rich artistic exchange.

• Character Development: The emphasis on attitude, teamwork, and respect for others, especially those less privileged, ensures that members develop strong character alongside their dance skills.

For more information about Off Center Dance Theatre, its performances, community outreach initiatives, or to inquire about supporting their mission, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 273 Halstead Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543, USA

• Phone: (914) 381-4111

For New York residents, particularly those in Westchester County, Off Center Dance Theatre in Mamaroneck represents a truly compelling and suitable local point of interest. Its unique dual mission sets it apart: not only does it provide a platform for dynamic dance performances, but it also deeply enriches the community through its impactful outreach programs. Knowing that this organization actively engages and empowers challenged and under-resourced youth through interactive dance workshops makes it an incredibly valuable asset to our region.

For families, it offers an inspiring example of how young talent can be channeled for positive social change, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion in its Youth Ensemble members. Whether you're a dance enthusiast looking to support local performing arts, a parent seeking an organization that instills strong values in young dancers, or simply someone who appreciates local initiatives that give back, Off Center Dance Theatre stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and community spirit right here in Westchester. It's an organization that truly embodies the best of our New York values, proving that art can indeed change lives.

Off Center Dance Theatre

273 Halstead Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543, USA