Northeast Performing Arts Group

- 3431 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019

In the heart of Washington, D.C., there exists a place that is much more than just a dance studio or a performing arts center. The Northeast Performing Arts Group (NEPAG) is a community institution with a powerful mission: to transform the lives of young people through the arts. For over four decades, this Black-owned and led organization has served as a safe haven and a creative outlet for youth in the Northeast and Southeast corridors of the city, particularly those living East of the River. It is a place where discipline, commitment, and team motivation are taught through the beautiful and expressive language of performing arts.

The vision of its founder, the late Rita Jackson, was to provide a constructive alternative to the negative influences of street life. This vision has become a reality, as NEPAG has successfully trained thousands of young people, helping them not only to excel on stage but also to become productive and successful citizens. The curriculum is intentionally holistic, weaving together performing arts instruction with crucial life skills and academic support. This comprehensive approach is what truly sets NEPAG apart and is the reason so many families trust the organization with their children's development.

As a resident of the District of Columbia, you understand the importance of finding positive and enriching activities for our youth. The Northeast Performing Arts Group is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of art to heal and inspire. The success stories of former students, who have gone on to become professional artists, lawyers, architects, and more, are a powerful testament to the long-known fact that the arts are a creative passage to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. This is a place where children who may have had little access to cultural experiences can explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and believe in their ability to perform well, both on and off the stage.

From the summer camp to the year-round classes, the staff at NEPAG are dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a sense of community. The close-out performances are a highlight, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of the students and staff. It's a joyful celebration that demonstrates the power of collaboration and commitment. The enthusiastic review from a parent whose daughters, initially hesitant, fell in love with the program, is a perfect illustration of the magical and transformative experience that Northeast Performing Arts Group provides.

Location and Accessibility

The Northeast Performing Arts Group is located at 3431 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019, USA. This address places it in the heart of the community it serves, making it a convenient and local option for families in the Northeast and Southeast neighborhoods of the District. The organization's focus on serving the youth of this area, including those living in River Terrace, Kenilworth, Marshall Heights, Benning Terrace, and Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings, underscores its deep connection to the community.

The facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which is an important consideration for ensuring that the arts are available to everyone. The focus on accessibility reflects the group's broader mission of inclusivity and providing a safe and welcoming space for all children. Its central location on Benning Road makes it easy to find and a reliable hub for all of the group's activities. The accessibility of the location is a practical and thoughtful feature that adds to the overall positive experience for families in the area.

Services Offered

• Advanced Classes: High-level instruction for experienced students.
• Beginner's Classes: Foundational courses for those new to performing arts.
• Choreography Classes: Sessions focused on the creation of dance routines.
• Youth Classes: Programs tailored for young students, often categorized by age.
• Ballet Technique: Foundational ballet training to build discipline and grace.
• Dance Theater: Classes that blend drama and dance to tell a story through movement.
• Education Program: Academic support and tutoring to help students succeed in school.
• Liturgical Dance: Classes that focus on spiritual and worship-based dance.
• Master Classes: Intensive sessions with visiting experts and guest artists.
• Performing Arts Camp: An immersive summer program providing instruction in various performing arts disciplines.
• Performing Arts Classes: A broad range of classes including dance (ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, African), vocals, and drama.
• Skills Training: Life skills and character-building workshops.
• Summer Program: A 9-week camp offering extensive arts and educational activities.
• Vocal Classes: Instruction in singing and vocal performance.

Features and Highlights

• Black-Owned and Founded: A proud, historically significant, and community-rooted organization.
• Holistic Youth Development: The program goes beyond arts training to include academic support and life skills, addressing the needs of the whole child.
• Safe Haven: NEPAG functions as a safe, nurturing environment for youth, providing a positive alternative to negative influences.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a wide variety of performing and visual arts classes, from ballet and African dance to drama and vocal instruction.
• Long-Standing Legacy: With over 45 years of service, the group has a proven track record of transforming lives and helping youth succeed.
• Positive Community Impact: Through performances and outreach, NEPAG makes cultural events accessible to the community and serves as an ambassador for the arts.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The facility has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
• Good for Kids: The program is specifically designed to be an enriching and safe experience for children.

Contact Information

Address: 3431 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019, USA

Phone: (202) 704-8653

What is worth choosing

For families in Washington, D.C., particularly those residing in the Northeast and Southeast communities, choosing the Northeast Performing Arts Group is an investment in your child's future, far beyond just their artistic talents. What makes NEPAG truly exceptional is its profound commitment to holistic youth development. In an age where children face numerous challenges, this organization provides a crucial safe haven where they can not only explore their creative potential but also receive vital academic support and life skills training. The program's success in helping students improve their grades and build self-esteem is a testament to this unique and valuable approach.

The organization's identity as a Black-owned and founded institution adds another layer of significance, creating a culturally relevant and empowering space for youth in the community it serves. For decades, it has been a beacon, providing opportunities that many children in these neighborhoods may not have had otherwise. The long-standing legacy of NEPAG is a testament to its effectiveness and its deep roots in the community. The fact that the organization has helped hundreds of young people enroll in college and go on to have successful careers is a powerful indicator of the quality and impact of its programs.

The variety of classes is also a major draw. Whether your child is interested in traditional ballet, energetic hip-hop, or expressive drama and vocals, there is a class to ignite their passion. The summer camp is particularly lauded in reviews for its ability to turn even hesitant children into enthusiastic participants, culminating in amazing performances that showcase their growth. The accessibility of the facility, with its wheelchair-accessible entrance, further reinforces its mission of inclusivity. In short, when you choose the Northeast Performing Arts Group, you are not just signing up for a class; you are joining a family and a movement that has been transforming lives in the District of Columbia for over 45 years.

Northeast Performing Arts Group

3431 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019, USA