Mark Morris Dance Group

- 3 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

In the vibrant heart of New York City, there are places that serve as more than just buildings; they are cultural institutions that define a community. The Mark Morris Dance Group, located in the dynamic Brooklyn Cultural District, is precisely one of these points of interest. As both a world-renowned modern dance company and a community hub for dance and music education, it has cemented its status as an essential part of New York’s arts landscape. The organization is driven by a mission to engage and inspire people through the transformative power of dance and music, and its physical home at the Mark Morris Dance Center is a testament to this commitment. The center is a welcoming space for everyone, from professional dancers and aspiring artists to children, teens, and adults with varying levels of experience. The atmosphere is celebrated by patrons who describe it as a fabulous and amazing place for art, with kind service and gorgeous choreographers. This inclusive philosophy is at the core of what makes the Mark Morris Dance Group a unique and beloved destination for New Yorkers seeking high-quality artistic training and a supportive community.

Since its founding in 2001, the Dance Center has been a leader in accessibility and artistic excellence. The facility is a stunning, multi-story building that houses nine fully equipped, column-free dance studios, providing ample space for classes, rehearsals, and performances. The center is not just a place for learning; it’s a space where artists can hone their craft through professional training programs, master classes, and residencies. The integration of live music is a hallmark of the Mark Morris Dance Group, with most classes accompanied by live pianists and musicians, which provides an invaluable experience for students of all ages. This dedication to the arts, combined with a commitment to making dance accessible to all, makes the Mark Morris Dance Group a cornerstone of the Brooklyn community. Whether you're a parent looking for a creative outlet for your child or an adult hoping to learn a new skill, this institution offers an unparalleled environment to explore your passion for dance and music. The range of programs available, from specialized offerings like their Dance for PD® (Parkinson's Disease) workshops to their robust schedule of adult drop-in classes, demonstrates their broad reach and impact within the community.

The Mark Morris Dance Group is conveniently situated at 3 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. This location is a major advantage for residents throughout New York City. Accessibility is a top priority for the organization, and the building is designed to accommodate everyone. The venue boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevators that reach all floors, and ADA-compliant hallways. The front and interior doors are automated, and elevator buttons include Braille, ensuring a smooth and easy experience for visitors with mobility needs. The location is incredibly well-served by public transportation, making it a simple trip for those coming from any of the five boroughs. The center is just steps away from major subway lines (including the A, B, C, D, G, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5, F, and N trains) and multiple bus routes, so guests can leave their cars behind. For those who do drive, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, and there are several nearby parking garages, such as those on Rockwell Place and Ashland Place, which can be found with a little pre-planning. The vibrant neighborhood, with its proximity to attractions like the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and other cultural landmarks, adds to the appeal, making a visit to the Dance Center a part of a larger cultural outing.

Mark Morris Dance Group provides a diverse array of services that extend far beyond a typical dance school. Their extensive dance and music education programs cater to a broad audience, from early childhood classes to programs for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities. The organization is a hub for artistic development, offering everything from drop-in classes for those with busy schedules to intensive training programs for serious artists. The facilities themselves are also a key service, as the rehearsal and studio spaces are available for rent to the broader artistic community at subsidized rates, helping to support local artists and organizations. The focus on live music accompaniment in most of their classes is a service that is highly valued by students, as it provides a richer and more authentic learning experience. The studio's commitment to community extends to its specialized programs, such as the acclaimed Dance for PD® initiative, which has a global impact. Additionally, they offer a digital dance center for those who prefer to learn from home, featuring on-demand videos taught by the same world-class faculty. This combination of in-person and virtual offerings ensures that the power of dance education is accessible to a wider audience, no matter their location or circumstance.

Services Offered:

• Adult Dance Classes: A variety of drop-in, series, and intensive classes for all levels and styles, including ballet, modern, West African, and hip-hop.
• Children and Teen Programs: A comprehensive dance school with classes, workshops, and performance opportunities for young dancers.
• Adaptive Dance Programs: Specialized classes for individuals with and without disabilities, including the well-known Dance for PD® workshops.
• Studio Space Rental: Affordable rehearsal and performance space available for rent by the artistic and non-profit community.
• Arts Education: In-school and community-based programs that bring dance and music to local students.
• Digital Dance Center: An online platform offering classes and content for remote learning and practice.
• Private Lessons and Personal Training: Opportunities for one-on-one instruction with professional teaching artists.
• Workshops and Master Classes: Special events led by guest artists and company members to provide unique learning opportunities.

The Mark Morris Dance Group’s facilities and programs are filled with features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional place. The center's dedication to accessibility is a standout feature, with its wheelchair-accessible entrance and comprehensive facilities designed for all abilities. It is also well-regarded as a place that is good for kids, providing a safe, fun, and educational environment for young dancers. The studio accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions convenient and modern. The presence of a wellness center with space for health practitioners, Pilates instructors, and personal trainers underscores their commitment to the holistic well-being of their community. The most compelling highlight, however, is the caliber of its artistic staff. The Dance Center employs professional teaching artists, often from the renowned Mark Morris Dance Group itself, ensuring that students receive the highest quality of instruction. The inclusion of live music in most classes is a rare and valuable feature that elevates the learning experience. The James and Martha Duffy Performance Space, a 140-seat theater within the building, serves as a venue for public performances and is also available for rent, further cementing the center's role as a cultural hub. These features, combined with the organization’s strong focus on community and inclusion, make it a truly unique and appealing destination.

Features / Highlights:

• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevators, and all-gender restrooms, ensuring an inclusive environment.
• Live Music: Most classes are accompanied by live music, a key component of the studio's teaching philosophy.
• High-Quality Instruction: Classes taught by a professional faculty of dancers and teaching artists.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: A modern, 5,000 sq. ft. building with nine studios and a performance space.
• Community Focus: Programs designed for a wide range of ages and abilities, from early childhood to seniors and individuals with physical disabilities.
• Convenient Payment: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for easy transactions.
• On-Site Wellness Center: A resource for dancers and community members to focus on health and well-being.

Contact Information:

• Address: 3 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• Phone: (718) 624-8400

What is worth choosing the Mark Morris Dance Group? For New Yorkers, the Mark Morris Dance Group offers an unparalleled fusion of artistic excellence, community engagement, and accessibility. It is a place where you can learn from world-class choreographers and dancers in a supportive and inclusive environment. The organization's deep commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its adaptive dance and arts education programs, sets it apart from other dance schools. Unlike places that may focus on competitive dance or a narrow set of styles, Mark Morris is a hub for pure artistic expression and growth. The opportunity to take classes with live music is a professional-level benefit that is rarely found outside of high-end conservatories. The central Brooklyn location, combined with the comprehensive accessibility features, ensures that this incredible resource is available to a wide cross-section of the city's population. By choosing Mark Morris Dance Group, you are not just signing up for a dance class; you are becoming part of a community that values creativity, kindness, and the power of movement to connect people. It’s an investment in your personal development and a contribution to the thriving arts scene of New York City, making it a truly worthwhile and enriching point of interest for anyone passionate about dance and music.

Mark Morris Dance Group

3 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA