Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc.

For over four decades, Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc. has been an integral part of Brooklyn's vibrant cultural landscape, evolving from a grassroots initiative into a beloved performing arts theater and community hub. Founded by cultural icon Elise Long in 1979, Spoke the Hub is more than just a dance studio; it's a dynamic space dedicated to nurturing individual and community well-being through open access to the arts. For New Yorkers, particularly those in Brooklyn, this institution offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with dance, movement, and creative expression, whether as a performer, student, or audience member.

Spoke the Hub's mission centers on providing affordable, high-caliber creative arts study, contemplation, and practice opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. They are celebrated for their diverse class offerings, from movement classes for infants to specialized programs for seniors, ensuring that dance and artistic expression are accessible to everyone in the community. Beyond classes, the organization is a significant producer of local arts events, fostering a rich environment for both emerging and established artists to rehearse, perform, and connect with audiences.

The studio's long-standing presence in Brooklyn has cemented its reputation as a "neighborhood treasure" and "cultural pioneer." Elise Long's vision has consistently driven the creation of multi-purpose arts spaces that have truly become habitats for creative individuals and a cornerstone for community engagement. Whether you're looking to take an engaging dance class, seeking performance opportunities, or simply want to support local artists, Spoke the Hub offers a unique and enriching experience right here in New York City.

While the vast majority of interactions with Spoke the Hub are overwhelmingly positive, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, it is important to acknowledge that like any large community-oriented space, individual experiences can vary. One review, for instance, mentioned a family's unfortunate experience during a summer session in 2019, citing issues with communication, the handling of a child's behavior, and questions about ethnicity. It's crucial for any organization dedicated to broad community access to address such concerns with transparency and a commitment to ensuring all individuals feel safe, respected, and included. Spoke the Hub's stated mission emphasizes nurturing individual and community health and happiness through open access to the arts, and their active scholarship program geared toward children of color indicates a commitment to diversity. When considering joining or engaging with any performing arts institution, transparent communication and a clear understanding of policies are always beneficial.

Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc. is conveniently situated at 748 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and accessible heart of Park Slope, a well-established neighborhood in Brooklyn. Its location on Union Street makes it an easily reachable destination for residents across Brooklyn and even from other boroughs of New York City.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, Spoke the Hub's location offers excellent connectivity. It is a short walk from various subway stations, including the Union Street station (served by the R train), and is also within reasonable walking distance of the 7 Av station (B, Q trains) and the 4 Av-9 St station (F, G trains). Additionally, numerous bus lines, such as the B37, B63, B67, and B103, have stops conveniently located near the studio on 3rd Avenue and Union Street, 5th Avenue and Union Street, or 7th Avenue and Union Street.

The neighborhood itself is bustling, featuring a mix of residential areas, local businesses, eateries, and other community resources. This makes it convenient for individuals to combine their visit to Spoke the Hub with other daily activities, enhancing the overall appeal of the location for local users. The studio is noted for being a "true third place" – a welcoming community space outside of home and work, easily integrated into the rhythms of city life.

Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc. offers a diverse range of programs and services designed to engage individuals of all ages and artistic interests within the performing arts. Their offerings go beyond typical dance classes, fostering a holistic approach to creativity and well-being:

• Dance and Movement Classes: A wide array of classes are available for all ages, from infants through seniors. This includes popular offerings like:

  • Children's Dance Classes: Catering to various age groups (e.g., 3-5 year olds, 5-7 year olds), covering styles like Creative Ballet, Sing, Dance and Make Believe, and general movement exploration.

  • Adult Dance Classes: Including popular options like Cardio Dance & Pump, and specialized techniques.

  • Wellness Classes: Such as Yoga for Arthritis, weekly chair yoga for individuals with limited mobility, and gentle yoga and meditation classes.

  • World Dance Program: Featuring traditional dance forms from around the globe taught by local master teachers, often in collaboration with programs like the Brooklyn Arts Council's "Folk Feet."

• Performance Opportunities: Spoke the Hub provides invaluable platforms for artists of all genres and career stages to showcase their work. This includes:

  • Choreographers' Showcase Series: Presenting new dance works.

  • Outback Performance Series / Kids Outback Performance Series: Showcasing diverse talent.

  • The Salon Series: An informal and intimate setting for experimental works in dance, music, film, storytelling, clowning/circus arts, and other non-categorizable artistic collaborations.

  • Local Produce (LP) Festival of the Performing Arts and LP Winter Follies: Broader community arts events.

• Rehearsal and Performance Space Rentals: The studio offers affordable, low-cost rehearsal, performance, and social gathering spaces for artists and the general public. Their facilities include two studios (upstairs and downstairs) equipped with sprung bamboo floors, mirrors, sound systems, and pianos.

• Exhibition Opportunities: Visual artists can utilize the space for exhibits, including a two-week private exhibit space with an opening or closing reception.

• Community Events and Workshops: Beyond regular classes and performances, Spoke the Hub creates numerous special community arts events, film series (like NY Matters, featuring local filmmakers), and peace initiatives.

• Scholarship and Work/Study Programs: They run an active scholarship program geared towards children of color and also offer work/study and barter options to ensure accessibility.

Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc. stands out as a unique and invaluable cultural institution in Brooklyn due to several distinctive features:

• A "Cultural Icon" and "Community Treasure": Founded and directed by Elise Long, Spoke the Hub has been recognized by the Brooklyn Historical Society as a "cultural pioneer" for its long-standing commitment to community arts and fostering creative spaces.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: A core tenet of their mission is to provide "open access to the arts" for individuals of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. They offer classes from infants to seniors and maintain an active scholarship program aimed at children of color, along with work/study options, emphasizing broad community participation.

• Diverse Program Offerings: Beyond traditional dance, Spoke the Hub offers a wide range of movement, fitness, and wellness classes, alongside opportunities for music, theater, and visual arts, creating a multi-disciplinary arts environment.

• Support for Artists: The organization provides crucial low-cost rehearsal, teaching, and performance spaces, serving as a home base for independent performers, teaching artists, and other organizations. They actively produce and present the work of thousands of fellow artists through various showcase series.

• Engaging Performance Opportunities: Spoke the Hub hosts various performance series, including the Choreographers' Showcase Series and the intimate "Salon" events, which provide platforms for both established and emerging artists to share experimental and new works with local audiences.

• Dedicated and Attentive Instructors: Customer reviews frequently commend the teachers for their attentiveness, ability to cater to individual needs, and engaging approach, making classes enjoyable and effective for students.

• Flexible Class Options: The studio is noted for its flexibility, allowing members to make up classes, which is highly beneficial for busy New Yorkers.

• Community Building Focus: Described as a "true third place," Spoke the Hub fosters a warm, friendly, and supportive community where individuals can connect, make friends, and enhance their well-being through shared artistic experiences.

For New Yorkers interested in exploring the diverse offerings at Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc., or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 748 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (718) 408-3234

Mobile Phone: +1 718-408-3234

Email: spoke@spokethehub.org (as found on their website/listings)

It is always recommended to visit their official website for the most current class schedules, registration information, and details on upcoming performances and community events. While some past feedback highlights communication issues, direct contact via phone or email, along with checking their website, is the best way to get accurate and up-to-date information.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in or around Brooklyn, Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc. stands out as an exceptionally suitable and valuable local resource for engaging with the performing arts. Its long-standing presence and evolution since 1979 have cemented its role as a cultural cornerstone, offering far more than just dance classes; it's a true community arts center.

The prime location at 748 Union Street in Park Slope offers superb accessibility via multiple subway and bus lines, making it incredibly convenient for busy city dwellers to incorporate artistic expression into their daily lives without a cumbersome commute. This ease of access is crucial for families, working professionals, and seniors alike.

What truly sets Spoke the Hub apart for locals is its deep commitment to inclusivity and community building. Their philosophy of "open access to the arts" is evident in their diverse class offerings catering to all ages – from "Itty-Bitty Ballet" for toddlers to specialized yoga for seniors. The provision of scholarships for children of color and flexible class options further demonstrates their dedication to making the arts accessible to a broad spectrum of the New York population. This focus on making everyone feel safe and welcome is a fundamental aspect of their mission.

Beyond education, Spoke the Hub provides vital performance opportunities for local artists, creating a lively platform for creative exchange and cultural enrichment right in the neighborhood. This dual role as both a learning institution and a performance venue fosters a dynamic artistic ecosystem, allowing locals to engage with the arts as participants, creators, and appreciative audience members.

While an isolated past review indicated an unfortunate experience concerning a child's removal from a summer program and questions about ethnicity, it is important for any institution, especially one promoting inclusivity, to continually evaluate and improve its communication and conflict resolution processes to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, feel respected and supported. Spoke the Hub's long history and commitment to diverse programming generally reflect a dedication to serving its community broadly. The enthusiastic testimonials from long-time patrons, such as those highlighting Elise Long as a "cultural icon" and praising the "amazing classes, community, and performance opportunities," underscore the overwhelmingly positive impact Spoke the Hub has had on countless New Yorkers. For anyone in NYC seeking a welcoming, diverse, and creatively enriching environment, Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc. offers a unique and invaluable local treasure.

Spoke the Hub Dancing, Inc.

748 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA