Peridance Center

For over four decades, Peridance Center has been an integral and highly respected force within New York City's vibrant dance community. Located in the heart of Union Square, this renowned institution is far more than just a dance studio; it's a comprehensive hub where aspiring dancers, seasoned professionals, and enthusiastic newcomers alike converge to learn, create, and perform. Housed in a historically significant landmark building, Peridance Center embodies a commitment to artistic excellence, rigorous training, and fostering a deep appreciation for the art of dance across all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking to take a casual drop-in class, pursue professional training, or witness breathtaking live performances, Peridance offers an unparalleled experience right here in the city.

The reputation of Peridance Center among New Yorkers is consistently one of admiration and high regard. Its dedication to nurturing talent and providing top-tier instruction is frequently highlighted by those who experience its offerings. As one appreciative visitor noted after attending a performance, "I have heard really awesome stuff about this place for dance enthusiasts and can definitely see how inspiration is promoted between these walls. The building by itself is a great view in a great location. When it comes to life performances, there is definitely an extreme amount of talent and devotion all over the place. The operation of this spot as a venue is flawless, no problem getting in or finding seats and everyone on board is really nice." This speaks volumes about the entire Peridance experience, from the artistic quality of its performances to the smooth operation of its facilities. A dedicated dancer further emphasized the quality of instruction and facilities: "Peridance is my favorite studio to dance at! There are many studios of different sizes and a lot of them are sprung marley floors, which is really good for your feet and jumping. The adult ballet classes are welcoming of all levels and the teachers are knowledgeable and very good at teaching. Every time I go I learn something new. My favorite class there is Kat's pointe classes. She is very good at teaching and is not shy about pointing out what you are doing wrong and how to improve it. The class consists of adults and children of all levels: long time adults looking to continue their craft, adults just starting out, and girls looking to get extra work in before their summer intensive auditions. Sometime, Kat invites male dancers to come and teaching us partnering work that you cant get anywhere else. In those partnering classes, she'll teach you everything from how to work better in the center and how to not kick your partner when you do pirouettes. I highly recommend coming to Peridance and, if you are doing pointe, to come to Kat's class!" Such heartfelt endorsements underscore Peridance Center's standing as a truly exceptional resource for the New York dance community.

Peridance Center enjoys a premier and highly accessible location at 126 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. Situated in the vibrant Union Square area, this puts the center at the nexus of several major transportation lines, making it incredibly convenient for New Yorkers from all five boroughs. Union Square is one of Manhattan's most well-connected neighborhoods, renowned for its bustling atmosphere, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions. The studio is just a block south of Union Square Park, providing easy walking access from multiple subway stations. Key subway lines that serve the area include the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, and L trains, all with stops just a few minutes' walk away. This extensive network ensures that whether you're commuting from uptown, downtown, or across the East River, reaching Peridance is efficient and straightforward. Additionally, numerous bus routes crisscross the Union Square vicinity, further enhancing its connectivity. The surrounding neighborhood offers a plethora of amenities, from healthy eateries and cafes to shops and other cultural venues, making it easy to fit a class or performance into your busy New York schedule. This ideal location not only makes Peridance Center a central hub for dance education but also a convenient and enriching destination for anyone in the city.

Peridance Center offers an extensive and diverse range of services, catering to a broad spectrum of dance enthusiasts, from absolute beginners to aspiring professionals and established artists.

• Adult Open Drop-In Classes: Over 200 weekly classes in a multitude of styles including:

  • Ballet (all levels, including beginner to advanced pointe work and partnering)
  • Contemporary
  • Hip Hop and Street Styles (e.g., House, Waacking, Popping, Dancehall)
  • Jazz & Theater
  • Tap
  • Body Conditioning
  • Salsa
  • African-based Dance

• Youth Programs (The School at Peridance): Comprehensive dance education for children and teens aged 18 months to 18 years, including:

  • Enrollment-based classes
  • Audition-based performance companies (Peridance Youth Ensembles)
  • Genres like Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and more.

• Professional Training Programs: For pre-professional and aspiring career dancers, including:

  • Certificate Program (2-year program for high-level intermediate/advanced students, F-1 Visa eligible)
  • Independent Study Program (1, 3, 6, or 12-month self-guided study)
  • MOPTOP Universal Professional Program (3 or 6-month intensive street and club dance program)
  • Peridance Collective (9-month performance-based program for ages 17-24)

• Workshops & Intensives: Year-round and summer programs led by world-renowned choreographers and master teachers, often focusing on specific styles, choreography, or performance projects.

• The KnJ Theater: A state-of-the-art, intimate black box performance venue available for:

  • Rentals by independent artists and companies
  • Student showcases and performances
  • Annual New York Seasons by the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company

• Peridance Contemporary Dance Company (PCDC): The resident professional dance company, founded by Igal Perry, which performs nationally and internationally, commissions new works, and offers outreach programs.

• Studio Rentals: Six spacious, sprung, and column-free studios available for rehearsals and private lessons.

• Community Outreach Programs: Initiatives like DanceBreak bring PCDC dancers into NYC public schools to make contemporary dance accessible to underserved students.

Peridance Center stands out as a premier performing arts institution in New York City due to its myriad exceptional features and highlights.

• Historic Landmark Building: Housed in a beautifully renovated 1903 landmark building (originally a horse auction mart, and later Frank Stella's studio), Peridance offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern, state-of-the-art facilities. This provides an inspiring backdrop for artistic pursuit.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The center boasts six spacious, sprung, and column-free studios, which are crucial for dancer safety and optimal performance. The sprung marley floors are particularly lauded by dancers for being gentle on feet and excellent for jumping. It also features modern locker rooms and a coffee shop.

• World-Class Faculty: Peridance is renowned for its roster of knowledgeable and highly skilled teachers and choreographers, many of whom are acclaimed professionals in their field. They are dedicated to providing excellent instruction, offering personalized feedback, and pushing students to improve.

• Diverse and Inclusive Offerings: With over 200 weekly open classes for adults in a vast array of styles (from classical ballet to contemporary, hip hop, and Afro-based dance), and programs for all ages and levels (from 18-month-olds to professionals), Peridance truly caters to "all bodies and needs."

• The KnJ Theater: An intimate black box theater provides a professional performance space for the resident company, student showcases, and rental opportunities for emerging and established artists. This allows for constant exposure to live dance.

• Professional Training Pathways: For those serious about a dance career, the Certificate Program, MOPTOP Universal, and Peridance Collective offer comprehensive, immersive training that prepares dancers for the demands of the professional world, including F-1 Visa eligibility for international students.

• Vibrant Dance Community: Peridance fosters a lively micro-community where students and professionals interact, creating a supportive environment for learning, networking, and artistic growth. This community aspect is a major draw.

• Commitment to Excellence and Integrity: As noted, Peridance maintains its reputation for excellence by offering high-quality dance education without being compromised by commercialism, a fulfilling of founder Igal Perry's artistic vision.

To connect with Peridance Center and explore their extensive offerings, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 126 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 505-0886

Mobile Phone: +1 212-505-0886

Peridance Center is an unparalleled destination for any New Yorker with an interest in dance, regardless of their age or experience level. Its prime location in the Union Square area, easily accessible by numerous subway lines, makes it incredibly convenient for busy urban dwellers to integrate dance into their lives. What truly distinguishes Peridance for locals is its comprehensive approach to dance education and performance. From open drop-in classes in every style imaginable for adults and teens, taught by world-class instructors, to rigorous professional training programs and a dedicated youth school, Peridance caters to every stage of a dancer's journey. The presence of the KnJ Theater within the center means New Yorkers have consistent access to inspiring live performances, from the acclaimed Peridance Contemporary Dance Company to emerging artists. Furthermore, the supportive and vibrant community fostered within its historic, state-of-the-art studios creates a welcoming environment where individuals can not only hone their technical skills but also find a true sense of belonging. For those seeking artistic inspiration, physical challenge, and a deep connection to the rich dance culture of New York City, Peridance Center is an essential and highly recommended hub.

Peridance Center

126 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, USA