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Programs

Unique to the Dance Complex is the approach to and realization of programs. The ideas for programs come from within the community, addressing needs and creating opportunities. With each of our programs, the Dance Complex has been able to give riches back to the community, revitalizing the neighborhood and welcoming people from all economic, social and ethnic backgrounds. The Dance Complex has developed and deepened relationships with local businesses, the school system, artists, and government departments. These collaborations enhance not only the Dance Complex but also the strength of the community by providing accessible, quality artistic work and opportunities for local artists..

  • Shared Choreographers' Concerts
  • Dance Complex Open House
  • Workstudy Program
  • Other Programs

    Shared Choreographers' Concerts

    Held three times each year, this program provides an opportunity for new and developing artists to have their work produced in concert with their peers. Mentors provide guidance and feedback for the choreographers, dancers and producers from the first showing of an idea through, and beyond, the performances. It is also a vehicle for learning all aspects of producing, publicizing, designing, budgeting and documenting a concert; two dancers share these production responsibilities, under the guidance of the program mentor. These concerts are an extension of the learning process. Outside an academic program, artists often lack the supportive feedback and nurturing that is so crucial to their growth. A discussion with the audience follows each concert, providing an educational enrichment for all involved and a proven way of building an informed and committed following.

    THE NEXT SCC WILL BE MAY 7 and 8, 2010.

    PROPSALS ARE DUE MARCH 12, 2010

    SHOWINGS ARE SUNDAY, MARCH 21 AND APRIL 11, 2010.

    Here's how it works:

    In order to participate in the SCC, please submit a written description of your proposed piece by the proposal deadline. This description should include information about your idea, such as number of dancers, movement style, concepts, music, props, goals, etc.; please be as specific as you can. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Finished dances can be up to 10 minutes long. Preference is given to never-performed pieces and to choreographers who have not participated in recent SCC productions. After the proposal deadline, the producers will call you to give you a showing time, usually held on Sundays between 1:00-5:00pm (if you or your dancers have any REAL time constraints, say so in your proposal). For each showing, there is usually 20 minutes to perform what there is of the dance and get feedback from the mentors. The producers will notify everyone within 2 days re: whether their piece is accepted, not accepted, or a maybe. If your piece is selected, you will get a $40 honorarium and 6 free hours of rehearsal at the Dance Complex in addition to being produced in a concert. At the second showing, which is closer to the concert date, it is expected that your dance will have evolved. This is another time for mentor feedback. If your piece is not chosen this time, you can submit it for another of the three SCCs each year. Producers may submit pieces.

    Proposals should be emailed to sccwinter2010@gmail.com or placed in the SCC mailbox located in the DC lobby or mailed to: The Dance Complex, 536 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 ATTN: Shared Choreographers' Concert.

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    DANCE COMPLEX OPEN HOUSE

    Twice a year, The Dance Complex offers a day of free classes. Experience the rich diversity of dance that the Complex has to offer, FREE OF CHARGE: 20-minute mini-classes from Flamenco to Bellydance, Hip-Hop to Tango, West African to Modern. The next Dance Complex Open House will be in May 2010.

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    WORKSTUDY PROGRAM

    The Dance Complex is volunteer-based and artist-run. WorkStudy Program Members barter their time in exchange for Workstudy slips. These slips can be applied towards classes or rehearsal time (they have no cash value). More importantly, WorkStudy program members garner a close connection to the dance family of the Cambridge and Greater Boston area.

    • For every one (1) hour worked, the WorkStudy member receives one (1) WorkStudy slip.
    • Members who work an opening or closing shift receive three (3) slips per shift.
    • Each WorkStudy slip may be redeemed for one (1) class or towards one (1) hour of studio time for rehearsal.

    Anyone who is interested in becoming involved in the WorkStudy Program is encouraged to apply! Apply in person by asking for an application from the WorkStudy Member at the front desk of the Dance Complex.

    If you have any questions please contact the WorkStudy Coordinator at 617.547.9363 X11.

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    READ / DANCE

    NOTICE: THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO LOSS OF FUNDING.

    A collaborative project with the Cambridge Public Library System, it incorporates the school curriculum during the school year and the Summer Reading theme during the Summer to provide movement/reading workshops at each of the Cambridge Public Libraries. Children learn to read choreography; to understand movement as reflections of ideas and emotions; to explore ideas through their bodies and to create their own stories in more than one way. Using familiar books, stories, words and images, dance and the process of dance making become familiar and comfortable. As children explore stories and literary ideas through movement, they begin to explore their own ideas and emotions, telling their own stories through dance.

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    See our Performance and Workshop pages for more information on upcoming shows, workshops, auditions, and jams.

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