Martha Myers Studio: A Premier Dance Destination in New London, CT

Martha Myers Studio at College Center at Crozier-Williams Introduce

Nestled within the vibrant campus of Connecticut College in New London, the Martha Myers Studio at the College Center at Crozier-Williams stands as a pillar of artistic expression and dance education. For residents of Connecticut, this venue is far more than just a performance space; it's a historic landmark that has played a significant role in the development of modern dance. Named in honor of Martha Myers, the founder of the Connecticut College dance department and a former dean of the American Dance Festival, the studio carries a legacy of nurturing artistic talent and presenting groundbreaking works. The College Center at Crozier-Williams itself is a central hub on campus, making the Martha Myers Studio easily accessible to students, faculty, and the wider community alike. The studio serves as a primary venue for dance department performances, student showcases, and a variety of master classes and workshops, making it a dynamic space where creativity thrives. It's a place where the history of dance meets the future, providing a stage for both emerging and established artists to share their passion.

The atmosphere at Martha Myers Studio is one of dedicated artistry and community engagement. The space is frequently transformed into a "blackbox theater," offering an intimate setting where audiences can feel closely connected to the performers. This versatile design allows for a wide range of productions, from elaborate multimedia shows to simple, powerful solo performances. The studio’s importance is deeply rooted in Connecticut College’s long history as a haven for dance. From 1948 to 1977, the college was the home of the American Dance Festival, a period during which it nurtured the careers of dance giants like Martha Graham, José Limón, and Merce Cunningham. This legacy lives on in the Martha Myers Studio, where current students and visiting artists continue to draw inspiration from the trailblazers who once graced the same spaces. Whether you're a dance aficionado or simply looking for a unique cultural experience in New London, a visit to the Martha Myers Studio promises an engaging and memorable time. It's a testament to the enduring power of dance as an art form and its deep-seated history within the Connecticut community.

The Martha Myers Studio is located on the campus of Connecticut College in New London, CT 06320, USA. This location makes it a central and convenient destination for those in the southeastern Connecticut region. The studio is housed within the College Center at Crozier-Williams, a prominent building in the middle of the campus. The accessibility of the location is a key feature for visitors. For those driving, there is a wheelchair-accessible car park, which is a crucial consideration for ensuring that all community members can easily attend events. The campus itself is well-maintained and offers clear signage to help visitors navigate to the correct building. While the studio is a part of a larger college campus, its specific location within the College Center at Crozier-Williams makes it a defined and manageable destination. The building is a well-known hub for student life and activities, so finding the studio is a straightforward process. The welcoming atmosphere of the campus and the easily accessible parking facilities make visiting the Martha Myers Studio a stress-free experience, whether you are a local resident or a visitor from another part of Connecticut. This thoughtful approach to accessibility is a reflection of the college's commitment to making its cultural spaces open to all members of the public, fostering a sense of inclusion and community.

While the Martha Myers Studio is a venue rather than a business offering a fixed list of services, its function as a dynamic performance and rehearsal space provides a variety of opportunities and events for the public. The services offered are tied to its role as a key component of the Connecticut College Dance Department. These services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Hosting of Dance Performances and Recitals: The studio is the primary venue for student dance shows, including the highly anticipated senior thesis concerts and the annual Dance Club fall performances. These events showcase the incredible talent and creativity of Connecticut College students.
Public Master Classes and Workshops: The studio regularly hosts free master classes and workshops led by visiting artists and dance professionals. These events are often open to both students and the local community, providing a unique opportunity to learn from and interact with experienced dancers and choreographers.
Serving as a Rehearsal Space: The studio is an active rehearsal space for both student and faculty productions. This constant use ensures that the space is always bustling with creative energy and dedication.
Hosting Guest Artist Residencies: In partnership with the Dance Department, the studio provides a space for guest artists and dance companies to work on new pieces, often culminating in performances or talks that are open to the public.
Providing a Space for Community Engagement: The studio is a central point for community-focused events, such as talks and Q&A sessions with artists, bringing the wider New London community into the college's artistic fold.
Promoting Dance Education: Through its various events, the studio plays a crucial role in promoting dance as an art form and a profession, inspiring future generations of dancers and choreographers.

The Martha Myers Studio at Connecticut College is defined by its remarkable features and highlights that make it a truly special place for arts and culture in Connecticut. Its historical significance and its ongoing role in the dance community are particularly noteworthy. Here are some of the key features and highlights that make this studio a premier destination:

Historic Legacy: The studio is named after Martha Myers, a foundational figure in American dance, and is located in a college that was once the home of the American Dance Festival. This rich history provides a unique and inspiring backdrop for all activities held within the space.
Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: The accessibility of the venue is a significant highlight, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily attend events. This feature makes the studio a welcoming space for the entire community.
Good for Kids: The studio is recognized as being "good for kids," with many events, such as student recitals and showcases, being family-friendly and inspiring for young audiences.
Versatile "Blackbox" Theater: The ability to transform the space into a blackbox theater allows for diverse and creative productions, from intimate performances to larger, more complex shows with intricate lighting and stage design.
Showcase for Emerging Talent: The studio provides a critical platform for Connecticut College students to showcase their original choreography and performances, giving them invaluable professional experience.
Cultural Hub: As part of the College Center at Crozier-Williams, the studio is at the heart of campus life, drawing in a diverse audience of students, faculty, and local residents for a variety of arts-related events.
Open to the Public: Many events held at the Martha Myers Studio are open to the general public, often with affordable ticket prices, making high-quality dance performances and educational opportunities accessible to everyone in New London and beyond.

For those interested in learning more about upcoming performances or events at the Martha Myers Studio, information is typically managed through the main contact points for Connecticut College and its Dance Department. The studio itself is located at New London, CT 06320, USA. While the studio does not have its own dedicated public phone number, for specific inquiries regarding events, tickets, or general information, the best course of action is to contact the Connecticut College Dance Department directly. The telephone number for the Dance Department is 860-439-2830. This number can provide details on upcoming shows, master classes, and other public events. It is recommended to check the official Connecticut College website and its arts and culture section for the most current schedule of events. Additionally, local news outlets and community calendars in New London, like Patch, often list performances and events at the studio. Reaching out to the college's main information lines or departments is the most reliable way to get accurate and up-to-date information on what's happening at this vibrant location. The friendly staff and faculty at Connecticut College are committed to providing helpful information to the public, ensuring that anyone interested can easily find out about the rich cultural offerings available at the Martha Myers Studio.

Choosing to visit or engage with the Martha Myers Studio at Connecticut College is a decision that offers a unique and enriching cultural experience. The primary reason it is worth choosing is its deep historical significance and its role as a living monument to dance education. Unlike a commercial dance studio, the Martha Myers Studio is a part of a prestigious academic institution, providing a platform for not only entertainment but also serious artistic and educational exploration. This environment fosters a higher level of creative and technical skill, which is evident in the quality of the performances presented. Attending a show here means you are witnessing the next generation of choreographers and dancers, as well as being part of a community that values art for art’s sake. The studio’s accessibility, including a wheelchair-accessible car park, underscores its commitment to being a public-facing venue that welcomes everyone. This inclusivity is a crucial aspect of its appeal, ensuring that people of all backgrounds and abilities can enjoy the arts. The fact that the studio is known to be "good for kids" also makes it an ideal destination for families looking to expose their children to the beauty and discipline of dance in a positive and educational setting.

Furthermore, the variety of events held at the studio is another compelling reason to choose it. From contemporary showcases to hip-hop master classes and student recitals, there is always something new and exciting happening. This dynamic schedule ensures that even frequent visitors will find fresh and engaging performances. The intimate blackbox theater setup creates a powerful connection between the performers and the audience, making for a truly memorable experience. It allows for a level of artistic risk and innovation that might not be possible in a larger, more traditional theater. By supporting events at the Martha Myers Studio, you are directly contributing to the local arts scene and the education of future artists. The legacy of dance legends who once worked in these very spaces adds an almost hallowed feel to the performances, providing a sense of continuity with the rich history of modern dance. It's a place where you can feel the echoes of Martha Graham and José Limón, and witness the birth of new artistic visions. For anyone in Connecticut with an interest in dance, theater, or cultural enrichment, a visit to the Martha Myers Studio is not just an outing, but a connection to a profound and ongoing artistic tradition.