The Dance Department offers high quality instruction in a variety of movement styles and techniques both for students ages 3.5 to adult who want to explore dance for personal enjoyment, and those who want to prepare for a career in dance. Enrollment in group dance classes averages 15 - 18 students in order to promote more individual attention and sustained progress. Private classes are also available, where possible, by request. Classes are 60 minutes in duration, or 90 minutes for “combo” classes, in the following disciplines:
- African Dance FREE for boys*
- Ballet
- Creative Movement/Young Dancers
- Hip Hop
- Jazz
- Modern
- Dance Ensemble
- Tap FREE for everyone*
- Adult Classes
*limit one FREE class per student
Mind-Builders also offers FREE/donation Fit4Life adult classes (for ages 16+) to promote health and fitness, including:
- Zumba
- Gentle Yoga & Meditation currently virtual only
- Soca
- Stretch
Registration for dance classes
Fall 2022 Dance Registration is Open!
Classes are available for ages 3.5 to adult. Classes are offered in-studio or virtual. Please note that our dance intensive classes require two years of dance experience.
Full-year dance classes begin October 4 and end in May. Yearly sessions culminate in a recital performance and/or a performance video. Fall registration continues until mid-February 2023 if space is available in an appropriate class. Students are grouped according to age for students 9 and under, and according to ability for ages students 10 and up. Check the class schedule for complete information. There is no registration fee for Fall.
Merit Dance Scholarship Program
Auditions for the next fall/spring season are on Saturday, September 17 from 10-11:30am and Wednesday, September 21 from 5-7pm. This is a special program for the most dedicated dance students ages 11 to 17 who pass an audition and maintain a satisfactory academic level in school. The objectives of the program are to help students achieve high levels of technique and performance skills, as they hone their abilities in pursuit of their goals. Merit Scholars are also trained to assist the dance teachers in the classes of the younger and beginner level students.
Mind-Builders Dance Ensemble/Pre-Professional Workshop
By Audition or Invitation Only -- For the student pursuing professional experience and training focused on learning dance repertory and technically advanced performing techniques. Students have the opportunity of working with several choreographers and learning several dances over the season. The students in the Dance Ensemble participate in community performances and are featured in Mind-Builders Kwanzaa, Heroes Day and Annual Dance Recital.
Dance Studio Rental
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center is honored to be a Dance/NYC Dance Rehearsal Space Subsidy Program grantee! The program is made possible by the generous support of the Mellon Foundation! Mind-Builders will receive grant funds to provide subsidized dance rehearsal space throughout the course of the 3-year grant period providing dance artists and small budget dance making organizations/groups with access to affordable, accessible rehearsal spaces at a rate of $5 per hour for minimum 2hr bookings.
Link for more information is here.
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