Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company

- 70 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

The Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, situated in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant East Village, is more than a dance studio; it is a foundational pillar of New York City’s performing arts community. Formed in 1972 by Ronn Pratt, Dolores Vanison-Blakely, and Miriam Greaves, this esteemed organization has consistently dedicated itself to providing a crucial platform for dancers and choreographers of color. For over five decades, Alpha Omega has served as both a creative venue for professional artists and a "safe haven for inner city youth," leaving an indelible mark on New York's cultural landscape. Local New Yorkers and visitors alike can experience a contemporary modern dance company whose repertoire is rich with diverse styles and influences—from tribal and dramatic to urban life and the abstract—always delivering performances that are energetic, uplifting, and passionately entertaining.

Under the artistic direction of Enrique Cruz DeJesus, Alpha Omega continues its mission to "create, perform, and educate through the art of dance," deliberately mixing popular with traditional styles to affirm new expressions that celebrate the human core. The company’s philosophy prioritizes artistic voice over simply following trends, encouraging dancers to find their truth and challenging cultural expectations. This deep commitment to cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and community outreach solidifies its role as a vital arts organization in the city. The fact that the studio has returned to its original block on East 4th Street underscores its deep, enduring connection to the East Village neighborhood.

While the company is highly regarded for its mainstage performances at major venues—including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian Institute—its community presence remains its heartbeat. The inclusive approach of offering classes and programs for all ages, from children to a notably energetic group of senior citizens, ensures that the power of dance is accessible to every New Yorker. Furthermore, as an organization that has consistently prioritized providing a platform for minority artists, Alpha Omega is a place where every New Yorker can witness and engage with world-class art that reflects the city's rich, diverse identity.

Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company is centrally located in the East Village, an area known for its rich artistic history and accessibility via multiple forms of public transit, making it convenient for residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

• Address: 70 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

The location is easily reached via the New York City subway and bus systems. It is situated on a block that is home to numerous other prominent cultural institutions.

For visitors traveling by car, parking is typical for the densely populated neighborhood:

• Paid street parking is available, as is common in the Lower Manhattan area. Visitors should be prepared to use parking meters or nearby commercial parking garages.

The company accepts convenient payment methods for classes and tickets:

• Credit cards and Debit cards are accepted for all transactions.

The services provided by Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company extend well beyond mainstage performances, encompassing comprehensive education and vital support for the professional dance community.

• Professional Performance Seasons and Touring
  • Annual New York City Concert Seasons showcasing new works by the Artistic Director and pieces by new and established choreographers, including historic works by figures like Eleo Pomare.
  • Local, national, and international touring, bringing their unique style of contemporary modern dance to various venues and festivals.
• Dance Education Programs
  • Drop-in Adult Open Classes in various styles, including modern dance, Argentine Tango, Salsa, and Yoga.
  • Young Adult Workshops providing professional-track training and a positive social outlet for inner-city youth.
  • Community and Senior Citizens Programs designed to promote movement, well-being, and social interaction, demonstrating dance is "Good for kids" and all ages.
• Artist Development and Support Initiatives
  • STUDIO TO STAGE Residencies: A program offering choreographers rehearsal space, technical consultation, and performance opportunities to enhance their work and marketing skills.
  • SHARING THE STAGE: An initiative to provide a platform for other artists and organizations, sharing resources to keep the performing arts community working and engaged in the post-pandemic recovery.
• Arts Outreach and Community Engagement
  • Serving communities through local and school performances, bringing cultural and uplifting experiences directly to neighborhoods throughout the tri-state area.
  • Space Rental opportunities for artists and organizations in their newly renovated building on East 4th Street.

Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company is defined by its rich history, its commitment to marginalized voices, and the high artistic quality it maintains.

• Five Decades of Legacy: Founded in 1972, the company has an extensive history, consistently providing a platform for dancers and choreographers of color and serving thousands across five decades.
• Artistic Vision and Cultural Depth: The repertory focuses on contemporary modern dance, blending urban, popular, and traditional styles to create thought-provoking, cultural, and passionate performances that are highly entertaining.
• NYC Community Focus: Beyond the main stage, the company is deeply invested in the local community, offering classes and performance opportunities for a wide range of ages, including vital youth and senior citizen programs.
• Dedicated Artist Support: Programs like STUDIO TO STAGE and SHARING THE STAGE actively support the local arts ecosystem by providing rehearsal space, technical resources, and performance platforms for emerging and established artists.
• Renovated East Village Home: The company occupies its newly renovated building on East 4th Street, providing a modern, dedicated home base for rehearsal, performance, and community engagement.
• Professional Endorsement: The studio is highly regarded by industry peers, noted by professional recording artists and performers as one of the "best places in New York to see great performances."

New York residents and artists seeking performance tickets, class enrollment, or partnership information can utilize the following contact details for the East Village location:

• Address: 70 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
• Phone: (212) 749-0095

It is recommended to check their official website for the most current performance schedules, class offerings, and special event announcements.

Choosing to support or engage with the Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company is an investment in both world-class art and the social fabric of New York City. It is worth choosing for several key reasons:

• Authentic NYC Cultural Experience: Alpha Omega offers a unique and authentic taste of New York’s cultural history, presenting work that is rooted in real-life experience and the history of minority dancers, rather than fleeting commercial trends.
• Supporting BIPOC Artists: By attending a performance or contributing to the organization, New Yorkers are directly supporting a fifty-year-plus mission to empower and showcase talented dancers and choreographers of color, a vital contribution to artistic equity.
• A Full Spectrum of Engagement: Whether you want to witness a stunning, powerful concert performance, enroll your child or parent in a movement class, or are an artist in need of a platform, Alpha Omega provides a meaningful point of engagement for every tier of the arts community.
• A Haven for All Ages: The commitment to making dance accessible and beneficial for everyone—from children needing a positive social outlet to seniors benefiting from a mental and physical workout—makes it a truly community-centric and valuable resource in the East Village.

For New Yorkers who value artistic quality, cultural history, and community service, Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company stands as an undeniable cultural jewel.

Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company

70 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA