Community Dance Ensemble: Bringing the Joy of Dance to Connecticut

Community Dance Ensemble Introduce

In the heart of southeastern Connecticut, a unique organization is using the power of dance to make a profound impact on the community. The Community Dance Ensemble (CDE), a non-profit company based in Quaker Hill, is more than just a group of talented dancers; it is a mission-driven collective dedicated to spreading joy and providing meaningful community service. Founded on the belief that dance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, the CDE has become a cherished part of the local performing arts landscape. It serves as a testament to how artistic passion can be channeled for a greater good, enriching the lives of both its members and the audiences they perform for.

The CDE is comprised of enthusiastic dance students who are passionate about sharing their art. The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance, taking their shows to a variety of venues. From nursing homes and hospitals to schools, fairs, and benefit concerts, the dancers bring their talent to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a live performance. This unique focus on community outreach distinguishes the CDE, highlighting its commitment to philanthropy and its role as a cultural bridge within New England.

The organization’s mission extends beyond just performance. It also serves as a vital part of the dance education ecosystem, offering its members a chance to grow as artists and leaders. Through consistent training and a commitment to their values—which include integrity, empathy, and teamwork—the dancers of the CDE learn valuable life skills that prepare them for future success. This combination of artistic rigor and civic responsibility makes the Community Dance Ensemble a truly remarkable and worthwhile organization to know about in Connecticut.

Location and Accessibility

The Community Dance Ensemble is headquartered at 8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA. This location is shared with The Dance Extension, a local dance studio where the dancers of the CDE train and rehearse. This partnership provides the ensemble with a professional and supportive home base for their preparations. For those who visit the location to see a rehearsal or attend a special event, the facility is designed to be accessible. A wheelchair-accessible car park is available, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the building. While the CDE's primary function is to bring performances to the community, this accessibility at their home base is an important feature that reflects their inclusive values.

Given their focus on outreach, the ensemble’s performances can be found throughout southeastern Connecticut and beyond, at various venues ranging from nursing homes to local fairs. This mobile and flexible model makes their art accessible to a wide audience, truly living up to their name.

Services Offered

The Community Dance Ensemble offers a unique blend of services, focusing on performance and education with a strong charitable component. While they are a dance school in the traditional sense, their services are defined by their mission to give back to the community.

Community Performances: This is the core service of the CDE. The ensemble performs at a wide range of venues, including nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and benefit concerts, bringing the joy of dance to diverse audiences.
Dance Education: The members of the ensemble receive continuous dance education and performing arts training. This includes regular classes and rehearsals in a variety of styles, such as ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance.
Performing Arts: The CDE's focus on public performances provides its members with invaluable experience in the performing arts. Dancers get a chance to showcase their skills and develop stage presence in a professional context.
Costume Rentals: While their primary service is performance, they also offer costume rentals, which can be a valuable resource for other local theater and dance groups.
Kids Dancing & Day Care: The ensemble's performances are a wonderful way to introduce children to the performing arts. By performing at schools and day care centers, the CDE inspires the next generation of dancers and artists.

Features / Highlights

The Community Dance Ensemble is distinguished by several key features that set it apart in the Connecticut arts scene.

Non-Profit Mission: As a 501(c)(3) organization, the CDE's primary mission is to give back to the community through dance. They use their talent to raise funds for local and national charities, such as the American Red Cross and the United Way, and perform at no cost for various community venues.
Focus on Values: The organization has a strong value system centered on integrity, leadership, empathy, and teamwork. These values are not just words but are actively practiced by the dancers, making the CDE a character-building experience.
Professional-Level Opportunities: The dancers get to perform at prestigious venues and attend master classes and workshops with professional choreographers and instructors. They have performed at places like Walt Disney World Resort and the Garde Arts Center.
Bridging the Generation Gap: A key highlight is the ensemble's focus on performing for senior citizens at nursing and assisted living homes. This creates a beautiful connection between the young dancers and their older audiences, using dance as a way to share stories and create joy.
Commitment to Inclusivity: The ensemble’s mission to bring dance to everyone, from children in day care to patients in hospitals, demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusivity and the belief that the arts are for all.

Contact Information

To learn more about the Community Dance Ensemble, request a performance, or find out how you can support their mission, you can contact them using the following details:

Address: 8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA

Phone: (860) 443-1154

Mobile Phone: +1 860-443-1154

What is Worth Choosing

For Connecticut residents looking to get involved in a dance organization—whether as a dancer, a supporter, or an audience member—the Community Dance Ensemble is an exceptional choice. Unlike a for-profit studio, the CDE offers a purpose-driven experience where dance is used as a vehicle for positive social change. For young dancers, being part of the CDE is not just about refining their technique; it's about learning the importance of community service and using their talent to make a difference in the lives of others. The experience of performing for diverse audiences, from veterans to hospital patients, provides a depth of character and empathy that is rare to find in a performing arts program.

The quality of the training is also a major draw. Housed at The Dance Extension, the CDE’s dancers receive professional-level instruction and choreography from experienced educators. This ensures that their performances are not only heartfelt but also technically polished. The opportunities to travel for performances and attend master classes further enhance their skills and expose them to a wider world of dance. For the community itself, the CDE is a priceless resource, providing free access to high-quality live art that uplifts and inspires. Their performances are a reminder of the power of art to connect people and bring a moment of light and happiness into the daily lives of countless individuals. In a region that values community and the arts, the Community Dance Ensemble stands out as a beacon of both.