Gateway Dance Theatre

- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way Studio #106, Des Moines, IA 50309

Welcome to Gateway Dance Theatre, a unique and vital cultural center located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. As an urban arts program, Gateway Dance Theatre is so much more than a place to learn to dance. It is a family-friendly, multifaceted organization that uses the arts to promote intercultural understanding and an appreciation of diversity. Since 1972, it has been moving to the rhythms of the world, fusing African-American, Caribbean, Asian, and Indian music and movement into a rich, multimedia experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The mission of Gateway Dance Theatre, as an urban arts program, is to provide high-quality arts programming that is accessible to everyone. The studio's co-founder, Penny Furgerson, is praised by customers for her wonderful personality and dedication to this mission. The center is based on the idea that training in the arts is essential for a complete education, and that the language of art is universal. Programs are designed with an emphasis on building self-esteem, discipline, awareness, and confidence. This commitment to inclusivity and personal growth is what makes Gateway Dance Theatre a truly special place, celebrated by the community for creating an environment where every artist is welcomed.

Gateway Dance Theatre is conveniently located at Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Studio #106, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA. Being housed within Mainframe Studios, a hub for local artists, places Gateway Dance Theatre at the center of the Des Moines creative community. The studio is deeply committed to accessibility and inclusivity, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These features ensure that all visitors, regardless of ability, can comfortably access the space and participate in classes and events.

As a cultural center, Gateway Dance Theatre offers a wide range of services and programs that extend beyond a typical dance studio.

• Recreational/Educational Classes: Perfect for beginners, the recreational program offers a wide variety of classes for all ages, from two years old and up. These include ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, lyrical, and ballroom dancing. The goal is to introduce participants to the music and dance cultures of the world in a fun and educational environment.

• Company Teams: Open to beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers, the company teams provide an opportunity to be part of a competition team. These programs require an audition and are for dancers aged five and up who want to take their skills to the next level through teamwork and performance.

• Pre-Professional Program: For the most dedicated and serious students, Gateway Dance Theatre offers a pre-professional ballet program. This elite program is designed for students who are considering a future career in dance and provides rigorous training to prepare them for professional opportunities. Acceptance into this program is by audition only.

• Workshops & Residencies: The center hosts workshops and artist-in-residency programs with nationally recognized dancers and musicians. These programs are designed to bring dance demonstrations and the rhythms of the world to a broader audience, expanding the reach of their cultural education.

• Outreach Programs: Gateway Dance Theatre takes its experience beyond the studio to schools, organizations, businesses, colleges, and universities. These outreach programs aim to share a global perspective on the arts and build cultural connections within the community.

Gateway Dance Theatre is distinguished by several key features that make it a truly exceptional place for the Des Moines community.

• Inclusive and Safe Environment: The studio is a beacon of inclusivity, proudly identifying as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. It is a place where "all artists can gather and make art" and where everyone is welcomed to "learn, grow and participate." This commitment to a safe and inclusive environment for both children and adults is a major highlight, praised by the community.

• Black-Owned and Women-Owned: As a Black-owned and women-owned business, Gateway Dance Theatre plays a vital role in supporting and celebrating diversity within the local arts scene. This identity underscores its mission to promote intercultural awareness and provide opportunities for everyone.

• Holistic Arts Focus: Gateway Dance Theatre is more than just a dance school. It is an urban arts program that incorporates music, visual, and literary arts into its curriculum. This comprehensive approach to performing arts education provides a well-rounded experience for students, helping them build self-esteem and confidence in various artistic disciplines.

• Community and Family: A customer review highlights the studio as a "family," with Penny and Sydney welcoming new members with open arms. This emphasis on building a close-knit community is a powerful draw for families looking for a supportive and nurturing environment for their children and themselves.

If you're interested in learning more or joining the Gateway Dance Theatre family, you can contact them directly.

Address: Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way Studio #106, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Phone: (515) 283-8383

Mobile Phone: +1 515-283-8383

Choosing Gateway Dance Theatre is choosing to be a part of a movement that celebrates diversity and community through the arts. What is truly worth choosing about this cultural center is its unique and unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. As a Black-owned and women-owned business, it holds a special place in the Des Moines community, serving as a hub for artistic expression and intercultural understanding. The wide variety of programs, from recreational classes for all ages to pre-professional training for serious dancers, ensures that there is a place for everyone to explore their passion. The personal touch from leaders like Penny and the strong sense of family make this more than just a place of learning; it is a home for artists and a catalyst for personal and communal growth.

Gateway Dance Theatre

Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way Studio #106, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA