Dance Express

Dance Express Introduce

Dance Express is a unique and deeply valuable non-profit dance company in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a mission to improve lives through dance. Founded in 1989 by Mary Elizabeth Lenahan, who was inspired by her sister with Down syndrome, the company is built on the belief that everyone, regardless of ability, has a dancer waiting to share the light. Dance Express is not just a dance studio; it is a vibrant, community-oriented organization that champions inclusion and artistic expression. It provides a welcoming and creative space for dancers with and without disabilities to train, perform, and collaborate. Over its more than 30-year history, Dance Express has become a cornerstone of the Fort Collins arts scene, earning accolades such as being named Biz West's Non-Profit of the Year in 2022. The company's work extends beyond its studio, with annual productions, regional guest appearances, and adaptive dance workshops in schools and community centers. Dance Express truly embodies its vision of celebrating diverse dance experiences and making the art of dance accessible to all.

Dance Express is located at 225 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. This central location in the city makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Fort Collins and the surrounding Northern Colorado area. The organization is deeply committed to ensuring its programs are accessible to everyone. This is reflected in its wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, which provides ease of access for dancers with mobility challenges. The studio’s convenient position in the heart of Fort Collins allows it to serve as a community hub, drawing participants and supporters from various neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local or traveling from a nearby town, finding the studio is simple, which adds to the overall positive experience of participating in its programs.

As an inclusive dance company, Dance Express offers a wide variety of services and programs that cater to a diverse range of ages and abilities. The focus is on providing high-quality dance education and performance opportunities in a supportive environment. The services offered include:

Annual dance and dance theatre productions that showcase the talents of the company's dancers.
Adaptive dance workshops in schools and community centers, making dance accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The annual "DANCE BEYOND the LIMITS" event, a regional inclusive dance convening that features master classes and workshops in various genres like modern dance, ballet, hip hop, African dance, and more.
Studio concerts and guest appearances at regional festivals and events.
Dance training for individuals with and without disabilities, with a focus on technique and artistic expression.
Community outreach programs that model access and inclusion in the arts.
Special collaboration projects with other arts and education groups in the community.

What makes Dance Express truly exceptional are its unique features and highlights, which have had a profound impact on the local community. The company’s core mission of inclusion and its non-profit status are major highlights, showing a dedication to purpose over profit. The personal touch of the founder, Mary Elizabeth Lenahan, who was inspired by her sister with Down syndrome, has created a deeply personal and compassionate environment. Her leadership and the quality of her instruction are consistently praised, with one reviewer simply stating, "Mary Elizabeth is awesome." The company's ability to provide a "wonderful non-profit for dancers of all abilities" sets it apart, demonstrating that dance is for everyone. Dance Express's professional productions and performances are a testament to the skill and artistry of its dancers, showcasing their hard work and talent to the broader community. The studio’s commitment to hosting events like "DANCE BEYOND the LIMITS" highlights its role as a leader in inclusive dance, not just in Fort Collins but throughout the western region. This blend of professional artistic output with a compassionate, mission-driven approach makes the studio a truly unique and valued asset to Colorado.

For more information or to inquire about classes, performances, or how to get involved, you can contact Dance Express directly. The company is located at 225 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. You can also reach them by phone at (970) 493-2113. As a non-profit organization, they are always open to community support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply attending their performances. They also accept credit card payments for convenience. Connecting with the studio is the first step toward becoming a part of a community that believes in the power of dance to bring people together and enrich lives.

For anyone in Northern Colorado seeking a dance experience, Dance Express is worth choosing for many reasons. First and foremost, its unwavering commitment to inclusion provides a welcoming space for dancers of all abilities, making it an ideal choice for families with special needs. As a "wonderful non-profit," the studio’s focus is on the art and the community, not on commercial gain. The professional expertise of its founder and staff, particularly Mary Elizabeth, ensures that the quality of instruction and artistic output is of the highest standard. This blend of compassionate care and professional excellence is a rare and valuable combination. The opportunity to perform in professional-quality productions and participate in regional inclusive dance events is a major draw for aspiring dancers. Furthermore, the studio's long-standing history and its numerous community awards speak to its lasting impact and positive reputation. Choosing Dance Express means investing in an organization that not only teaches dance but also teaches valuable life lessons about acceptance, collaboration, and the limitless potential of the human spirit. It is a place where every person can find joy and self-expression through the art of dance, making it an extraordinary asset to the Fort Collins community.