History
Our humble beginnings commenced with the first Kids Cafe Festival produced by Diane Jacobowitz in 1995. The idea was simple: treat young dancers as professionals in the making and they will rise to the occasion. As interest grew in this festival the Kids Company was formed. This ensemble combined aspiring young dancers from across New York with some of the city's top choreographers. This special mixture of artistry and youth continued to captivate minds until, in 2009, Dancewave Center was opened in Brooklyn and the Kids Company was renamed to Dancewave Company I. Since then, we have continued to grow. Dancewave now serves over 5000 young people per year through our school, pre-professional dance companies, arts in education outreach programs, and special produced events. We are constantly developing new programs and strategies for learning, performing, and connecting the exciting elements of dance in our community.
Specialties
Mission Dancewave provides access to a community dance experience that encourages individuality and whole-person development throughout New York City and beyond. Through innovative programming, we use dance as an expressive vehicle for transformation. Dancewave's Culture Model creates an inclusive environment for all ages, abilities, sexual orientations, racial and socio-economic backgrounds. Our unique youth education model combines rigorous training with artistic integrity, and access for all, in a supportive environment. Young dancers are mentored by accomplished dance professionals, which allows for personal growth as well as superior dance education. Dancers have the opportunity to join our pre-professional dance companies, where they gain technical proficiency and self-confidence through training, rehearsals, and performances. From toddlers through adults, Dancewave offers classes in movement for all ages and abilities: from classes for young beginners, through classic body training, and culminates in our youth dance companies who get the opportunity to study with NYC's best choreographers. Fun, open-level classes for adults round out our offerings with Zumba, Modern, and Ballet.