UMBC Dance Cube

- 1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250

The UMBC Dance Cube is more than just a performance space; it is a striking architectural and cultural centerpiece for the arts in the Baltimore region. Located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), this facility is a key component of the state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB), which opened in 2014.

For Maryland residents, especially those in the greater Baltimore area, the Dance Cube represents a highly accessible venue for witnessing cutting-edge live performances, primarily focused on contemporary and modern dance. Its distinctive, cube-shaped, glass-enclosed design not only gives it its name but also serves as a visible 'marquee' for the entire Dance Department, showcasing the vitality of the performing arts to the wider community.

While serving as a primary teaching and rehearsal space for UMBC's acclaimed Dance Department, the facility regularly transforms into a professional-level, intimate theater. It hosts a variety of public events, including student concerts, showcases, and the work of resident companies and visiting professional artists. Audiences are consistently treated to dynamic and innovative performances, fostering an appreciation for dance and movement arts in a modern, technically sophisticated environment. As confirmed by patrons, the venue is a great option for families and is known for its excellent presentation of 'Great stuff.' that is certainly 'cube shaped.'

The UMBC Dance Cube is strategically located within the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus, offering a dedicated cultural destination easily accessible to local communities in Catonsville, Arbutus, and the broader Baltimore-Washington corridor.

The facility is situated within the award-winning, LEED Gold certified Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB), which centralizes UMBC’s arts disciplines.

• Address: 1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA

As a core component of a modern university facility, the UMBC Dance Cube is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all visitors. This is reflected in its high level of physical accessibility, ensuring that everyone in the Maryland community can enjoy the performances:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB) is equipped with fully accessible entrances for smooth entry into the facility.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated accessible parking is available for ease of access to the venue.
• Amenities: Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities are available within the PAHB for all patrons.

Being on the UMBC campus means the venue benefits from clear signage, campus security, and extensive parking options, providing a hassle-free visit for both seasoned theatergoers and families attending their first dance show.

As a multi-functional space, the UMBC Dance Cube provides essential services not only for the university's academic program but also for the Maryland public seeking quality performing arts events. Its key services and functions include:

• Live Performances and Showcases: The venue is frequently converted from a studio into an intimate performing arts theater for public viewing, hosting the department's 'First Works Concert,' 'Senior Concert,' and 'Spring Dance Showcase' in the fall and spring semesters.
• Visiting Artists Programs: It hosts cutting-edge presentations by nationally and internationally recognized guest artists and dance companies, enriching the local cultural diet. For example, it has hosted groups like the New York City-based duo Baye & Asa, bringing fresh, modern perspectives to the Maryland audience.
• Academic Instruction and Rehearsal: During non-performance times, the Dance Cube serves as a premier teaching studio for UMBC students pursuing dance majors and minors, equipped with a specialized sprung marley floor to protect dancers.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The space is designed to support the integration of technology and performance, including multimedia and interactive performance technology, reflecting UMBC's emphasis on innovation in the arts.
• Community Dance Project Hosting: The facility often hosts concerts by the professional 'Baltimore Dance Project' (BDP), who are known for their edgy collaborations with composers, video artists, and technologists.
• Venue Rental (Limited Public Use): The space may be available for external booking, subject to university scheduling, as a professionally equipped performance and rehearsal studio.

The UMBC Dance Cube’s design and technical capabilities ensure it stands out among performing arts theaters in the region, offering a distinct patron experience:

• Award-Winning, Unique Architecture: The all-glass, cantilevered 'cube' design is an architectural marvel, making it a prominent and easily identifiable landmark on the campus and a visually compelling space for performance.
• Intimate Performance Seating: Utilizing state-of-the-art retractable risers, the space can be transformed into a performance venue capable of seating approximately 100 people, providing an up-close and personal viewing experience rare in larger theaters.
• State-of-the-Art Technical Equipment: The venue is fully equipped with professional-grade, sophisticated lighting and AV systems to support complex and high-quality production needs for contemporary dance.
• World-Class Dance Floor: It features a 3,500 sq. ft. basket-weave sprung marley floor, which is the gold standard for dance and is crucial for the safety and performance quality of professional dancers.
• Scenic Views of Baltimore: Two floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer a stunning backdrop with a view of downtown Baltimore in the distance, providing a unique aesthetic experience during non-performance hours or in specific productions.
• Part of the Larger PAHB Complex: Patrons have access to the amenities of the wider Performing Arts and Humanities Building, including the neighboring Proscenium Theatre, a Black Box Theatre, and various common areas designed to foster interdisciplinary artistic discussion.
• Good for Kids: The venue is designated as being appropriate and enjoyable for children, making it an excellent resource for Maryland families looking to introduce young ones to the arts.

To inquire about upcoming performances, ticket purchases, or general information regarding the UMBC Dance Cube and the Department of Dance events, please use the following contacts:

• Address: 1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA (Performing Arts and Humanities Building)
• UMBC Department of Dance Phone: (410) 455-2179
• Mobile Phone: +1 410-455-2179
• UMBC Office of Arts Management Phone (General Booking/Info): (410) 455-3370

For Maryland residents, choosing the UMBC Dance Cube for a night out or a cultural family activity is highly recommended for several compelling reasons. Firstly, you are choosing to support the next generation of talented artists; the venue is a platform for the highly innovative and rigorous work created by UMBC students and faculty. This often means experiencing dance and choreography that is fresh, experimental, and deeply thoughtful—an experience that rivals that of more expensive, traditional venues.

Secondly, the technical superiority of the space guarantees a high-quality viewing experience. The intimate setting, with a capacity of around 100, means there is literally no bad seat in the house, offering a unique connection to the performers that larger theaters simply cannot match. You are close enough to appreciate the subtle nuance and sheer athleticism of the dancers. The confirmed presence of accessible amenities, including wheelchair access and parking, ensures that the welcoming, modern experience is available to all members of the community.

Finally, visiting the UMBC Dance Cube is an opportunity to engage with one of the most architecturally impressive and technically sophisticated performance centers in the region, all while enjoying "Live performances" that are lauded for being 'Great stuff.' For those in the Baltimore-Washington area looking for an accessible, inspiring, and modern cultural experience, the UMBC Dance Cube should be at the top of their list.

UMBC Dance Cube

1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA