BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance

- 139 Payson Ave #5e, New York, NY 10034

In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of New York City's performing arts scene, BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance stands out as a unique and compelling force. Led by the acclaimed artistic director Teresa Fellion, this contemporary dance company is more than just a performance troupe; it is a multifaceted organization dedicated to both creating innovative work and providing high-quality dance education. The company's mission is to capture and communicate universal human encounters through dynamic, purposeful movement, inspiring audiences to physically and emotionally connect with the human condition on stage. This dedication to art that is both intellectual and deeply moving is a cornerstone of the company’s identity.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance is renowned for its highly physical and intricately technical work, which is infused with emotional, political, and even humorous edges. The company thrives on in-depth collaborations with artists in a variety of fields, including lighting, costume, and music, creating a truly interdisciplinary experience. Beyond its professional performances, the company is deeply committed to community engagement and education. It offers a wide range of dance classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels, bringing its professional expertise into the classroom. The philosophy is to foster creativity and empower dancers, whether they are taking their first steps or are seasoned professionals looking to refine their technique.

The company's approach is rooted in a desire to share art that inspires audiences and students alike to unlock their own potential. With a global orientation, BodyStories is a multi-lingual company that researches, performs, and collaborates with artists from across different continents. This international perspective enriches both the company’s creative work and its educational programs. For residents of New York City, BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance offers a unique opportunity to engage with world-class contemporary dance, either as an audience member or as a student. It is a place where creativity, collaboration, and a love for purposeful movement are at the heart of everything they do.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance is located at 139 Payson Ave #5e, New York, NY 10034, USA. This address places the company in the picturesque and historic Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, offering a serene environment that is still well-connected to the rest of the city. While it is not located in the traditional theater districts, its unique location provides a sense of community and a different kind of artistic energy.

The location is well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation network, including subway and bus lines that run through the area, making it accessible from various parts of the city. This is a significant advantage for students and collaborators who are commuting for classes or rehearsals. While specific accessibility details for the building itself are not provided in the prompt, the company's mission and commitment to being an inclusive organization suggest a thoughtful approach to welcoming everyone.

The surrounding neighborhood of Washington Heights offers a welcoming backdrop, known for its rich cultural history and tight-knit community feel. This provides a more intimate and less intimidating setting than a studio in a bustling commercial area, which can be particularly beneficial for younger students or adults new to dance. The company also offers virtual dance classes, which further enhances its accessibility, allowing students to participate in workshops and intensives from the comfort of their own homes, regardless of their physical location in or outside of the city. This blend of a practical physical location and modern, digital access makes BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance a convenient and viable option for a wide range of individuals.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance offers a comprehensive suite of services, from educational programs to professional performance opportunities. The company’s offerings are designed to cater to a diverse audience, including both the dedicated dance student and the curious newcomer.

A detailed list of services includes:

• Youth Classes: Dance education for young students, providing a foundation in contemporary dance techniques and creative expression.
• After-School Dance Programming: Structured and engaging classes for children and teens after school hours, perfect for busy families.
• Boys Only Classes: Specialized dance classes for male-identifying students, creating a supportive and comfortable environment for them to explore movement.
• Dance Classes for Adults: Programs for adult learners of all levels, from beginner to advanced, providing a great workout and an artistic outlet.
• Contemporary Class: Instruction in the core contemporary techniques that define the company’s artistic style.
• Technique Classes: Focused classes that build foundational skills, strength, and precision.
• Dance Workshops and Dance Intensives: Immersive, focused programs that allow students to delve deeper into specific topics, often including guest artists and performance opportunities.
• Drop-In Class: Flexible single-class options for those with busy schedules who want to attend without a long-term commitment.
• Virtual Dance Classes: Online classes that make dance education accessible to students regardless of their physical location.
• Intensive Program: A structured program for dedicated students who want to accelerate their training and artistic growth.
• Lighting Design: Collaboration on lighting design for performances, showcasing the company’s interdisciplinary approach.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for dancers and art lovers in New York City.

• Exceptional Artistic Leadership: The company is led by Teresa Fellion, an accomplished choreographer and educator whose work has been positively reviewed by major publications like the New York Times and NPR. Her talent and vision are a significant highlight.
• Focus on Collaboration: The company places a high value on collaboration, working with artists from various disciplines to create multi-faceted and compelling performances. This is an enriching experience for students and audiences alike.
• Good for Kids: BodyStories has a strong reputation for being a positive and nurturing environment for children, with programs designed to encourage their creativity and build confidence.
• Commitment to a Broader Mission: The company's work is laced with "provocative, emotional, political, and humorous edges," and it has a mission to communicate universal human experiences. This intellectual and social consciousness sets it apart from more conventional dance schools.
• Flexible Class Options: The availability of drop-in classes and virtual classes provides a high level of flexibility for students with varying schedules and locations.
• Global Perspective: The company's collective ability to speak nine languages and its collaborations with artists from five continents add a rich, international dimension to its work and educational programs.

For more information about class schedules, performances, or to get in touch with the team, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 139 Payson Ave #5e, New York, NY 10034, USA

Phone: (646) 662-5128

Choosing BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance is a decision to engage with a dance company that is both artistically profound and deeply committed to its community. The reviews, though brief, offer powerful endorsements. One customer states, "I love Teresa’s work and her collaboration with her dancers!" This highlights the collaborative spirit that is central to the company’s ethos, and the visible passion that audiences can feel. The second review praises the company for its "Wonderful, talented people and great mission!" This simple statement speaks volumes, affirming that the company’s artistic and educational efforts are backed by a genuine and meaningful purpose. The mission-driven nature of BodyStories—examining societal depths and inspiring human connection—is a compelling reason to choose this organization over a more generic dance studio.

The company's willingness to engage in site-specific performances and audience participation shows a dynamic and innovative approach to art that goes beyond the traditional proscenium stage. This provides unique opportunities for students and a fresh experience for audiences. Furthermore, the dedication to providing specialized classes like "Boys Only Classes" and offering virtual learning options demonstrates a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the community. For those seeking an alternative to the highly competitive dance world, the focus on creativity and personal expression over competition is a major draw. In a city filled with dance options, BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance distinguishes itself by offering not just classes, but an opportunity to be part of an artistic endeavor that is thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply human. It is a place where you can learn to dance, but also learn about the power of movement to tell a story.

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance

139 Payson Ave #5e, New York, NY 10034, USA