Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center: A Hub for Dance in Evanston, IL

Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center Introduce

The Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center stands as a significant landmark for dance and the performing arts in Evanston, Illinois. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, this center is a dedicated space for dance education and performance. It serves as a hub for the university’s dance program, a vital part of the School of Communication. The center is a testament to the university's commitment to the performing arts, and it provides a professional and inspiring environment for both students and faculty. The center's history is unique, having been named in honor of Marjorie Ward Marshall, the mother of famed actor, director, and producer Garry Marshall, who donated the building in her honor. This personal connection adds a special layer to the center's identity, symbolizing a lifelong love for dance and entertainment. The center is a place where aspiring artists can receive world-class training, develop their craft, and engage with the broader dance community in a truly professional setting.

While the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center is primarily a university facility, it is also a key player in the larger Evanston and Chicago-area dance scene. It hosts a variety of classes, workshops, and student performances that are often open to the public, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and talent. The center is not just a place for formal education but a space where creativity is fostered and new work is created and presented. With its state-of-the-art facilities and a strong connection to a major university's dance program, the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center offers a level of excellence that is hard to match. Its role as a host for various dance events and productions also makes it a valuable resource for local dance companies and independent choreographers, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the region. It is a place where the artistic community comes together, making it a true hub for dance lovers and professionals alike in Illinois.

The Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center is located at 10 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, right on the picturesque campus of Northwestern University. Its address places it on Arts Circle Drive, a central location for the university's performing arts facilities. For those traveling by car, the center is easily accessible, though parking on a university campus can sometimes require some planning. As a university facility, information on public access and specific parking regulations may be found through Northwestern University’s campus maps and transportation services. The campus is also well-served by public transportation, including the CTA Purple Line and various bus routes, which makes it a convenient destination for students and visitors from throughout Evanston and Chicago. The proximity to other performing arts venues on campus creates a unique and stimulating environment. The center is situated in an area that is not only beautiful but also culturally rich, making a visit to the dance center a rewarding experience in itself.

Its location on the university campus provides unparalleled resources and a professional environment. The center is designed to support the rigorous demands of a dance program, with facilities tailored for both training and performance. While there are no specific public accessibility features listed in the provided data, a university of this size typically has some level of accessibility for its buildings. The professional setting ensures that all events and classes are conducted with a high standard of quality and safety. The ability to attend performances and workshops in a world-class facility is a major draw for the community. The campus environment adds a layer of prestige and resources that are not typically available at smaller, independent studios, further cementing the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center's role as a vital part of the Evanston arts scene and a valuable resource for the entire Illinois community.

The Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center offers a wide range of services and programs, particularly through its affiliation with the Northwestern University Dance Program and the Dance Center Evanston. These services cater to a diverse group of students, from university-level dancers to children and adults from the surrounding community. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and well-rounded, providing a solid foundation in various dance disciplines. Here are some of the types of classes and programs that are offered:

Ballet training
Modern Dance
Tap classes
Hip Hop
Boys' Dance and Men's Technique
Cecchetti classes (a specific ballet style)
Student Division classes (ages 7 and up)
Adult Classes (in various styles)
Annual Recital
Dance Performance Workshop
Summer Company
Performance opportunities through Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE)

The center's programs emphasize proper posture, placement, coordination, and physical strength. Classes are structured to cater to different levels, from introductory courses that teach basic concepts to upper-level classes that focus on more complex full-body movements. The variety of styles, from foundational ballet to energetic hip hop, ensures that students can explore different forms of expression. The center's connection to the Evanston Dance Ensemble provides serious students with additional opportunities to perform in productions and tour original shows, further enhancing their training and experience. The availability of adult classes also makes the center a welcoming space for community members who wish to continue their dance journey or start a new one.

The Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center is defined by a number of key features and highlights that make it a premier institution for dance. These highlights are a reflection of its role as both an academic facility and a community resource. Here are some of the most notable features:

A dedicated facility for dance on the campus of Northwestern University, providing a professional and inspiring environment.
Houses two dance studios that can be transformed into an intimate theater for performances.
Offers a program that is grounded in foundational techniques while also being open to new and modern styles of movement.
The center is a symbol of Northwestern University's commitment to the performing arts and is home to the university's dance program.
Hosts a variety of performances, workshops, and in-house showings, contributing to the local arts scene.
The building was donated in honor of Marjorie Ward Marshall by her son, filmmaker Garry Marshall, adding a personal and prestigious history.
Provides a high-quality dance education that fosters physical health, develops cognitive skills, and inspires creativity.
The center is home to the Evanston Dance Ensemble, providing dedicated students with further performance and creative opportunities.

The prestige associated with its location at Northwestern University adds to its appeal, as it provides students with access to a high level of expertise and resources. The center's ability to serve as a venue for professional dance companies and student performances further solidifies its position as a key player in the Illinois dance community. It is a place where professional aspirations and artistic passion come together, creating a truly unique and valuable institution.

For more information about the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 10 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
Phone: (847) 491-3147

You can also find more information on Northwestern University's School of Communication and Dance Program websites, which detail their class schedules, performance listings, and other events at the center. The provided contact information is a direct link to the dance program, ensuring a smooth process for inquiries.

Choosing the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center is an excellent decision for anyone passionate about dance, and it is a top choice for a number of compelling reasons. Its location at a prestigious university provides a level of professionalism and resources that are unmatched. The program's focus on foundational techniques, such as classical ballet, ensures that students receive a solid, well-rounded education that prepares them for a lifetime of dance, whether as a profession or a personal pursuit. The center's openness to new styles like Hip Hop and Modern Dance also makes it a versatile and relevant place to learn. For students, the opportunity to train in a professional environment and potentially participate in organizations like the Evanston Dance Ensemble is a significant advantage. This connection provides real-world performance experience and a glimpse into the professional world of dance. For the public, the center serves as a cultural destination, offering opportunities to attend workshops and performances that enrich the local arts scene. The history of the center, donated by Garry Marshall as a tribute to his mother, adds a layer of personal meaning and prestige that makes it truly special. While it may not have the typical "community studio" feel of a neighborhood dance school, its identity as a formal, academic center for dance is a major strength. It’s a place where dance is taken seriously, and the quality of instruction and performance is of the highest caliber. For those in the Evanston area seeking a top-tier dance education or simply a place to experience the beauty of dance, the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center is a clear and outstanding choice.