BWW Featured Dance Studio: BROADWAY DANCE CENTER

Broadway Dance Center (BDC), affectionately known as a dancer's "home away from home," is one of New York City's most popular dance studios. Located in the heart of the theater district in Manhattan at 322 West 45th Street, BDC prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming environment for ALL dancers to train and learn.

BDC (then known as Hines-Hatchett- a studio named after and led by Maurice Hines and Frank Hatchett), came under the ownership of Richard Ellner, a businessman and avid dance fan in 1984. At the time, the studio was located on West 54th Street and Broadway. Mr. Ellner renamed it to BDC (what we know it as today) with the goal of creating a studio that would become a true home for dancers and teachers. As each instructor was brought on board, they were carefully selected and encouraged to contribute his or her own personal style and expertise.

In 1998, BDC moved to West 57th Street under the direction of Mr. Ellner's daughter, Allison Ellner. It was there that many of the programs we know and love came to be, which helped make BDC a New York City dance destination. These programs include: the International Student Visa Program, the Children and Teens Program, Summer and Winter Intensives, and Teacher Workshops. In 2007, under the current Executive Director Diane King and Associate Executive Director Reese Snow, BDC moved to its current location on West 45th Street and did a renovation in 2012, expanding the school to include seven studios (up from the original five). Later this year, BDC will continue to expand, opening a Children and Teens studio in the Lincoln Center area that will cater to their youth programming beginning in June.

Today, BDC is one of "the" studios to teach, learn, and train in New York City. Students come from across the city, the country, and the world to partake in its many offerings such as their Full-Time Training Programs, Youth Programming, workshops, and events. And did I mention they have over 350 drop-in classes each week for all levels and styles?! One of their most popular programs is the Musical Theater Weekend Intensive. Here, students get to take dance classes learning choreography with some of the industry's leading experts, attend a seminar about how to find an agent and resume writing tips from casting directors, and participate in a mock audition with a panel of guest agents, performers, and choreographers.

Another popular program is the Broadway Choreography Series. Here, participants have the opportunity to learn the original choreography from some of Broadway's finest shows by actual cast members/the creative team themselves! Past events include Holiday Inn with Dance Captain Barry Busby and Get On Your Feet with Associate Choreographer Maria Torres.

Broadway Dance Center is a great studio with tons to offer the dance community at all levels, whether you are just starting out and putting on your first pair of dance shoes to seasoned professionals. The studio provides invaluable programs that you can only find here, making it a true New York City dance destination. Taking class here is a magical experience.

For more information about BDC programs and daily class schedule, please visit their website at www.broadwaydancecenter.org.

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