- Location:
- Brooklyn (program happening in NM)
- Grant Cycle:
- 2023
- Amount:
- $8,000
- Type of Grant:
- Programming
- Disciplines:
- Dance, Education
Dancewave, Inc. is a mid-sized 501(c)3 organization based in Brooklyn, NY that cultivates whole-person development and mental wellness through dance. We’re unique for pioneering an approach to dance pedagogy that emphasizes social and emotional health through cutting-edge technical dance training.
Dancewave envisions a world in which dance is available to all populations, especially those who have ever been denied access to dance education. As such, we are steadfastly working toward the following goals:
-100% of our programs are subsidized to provide free access to those who need, sustaining our commitment to equitable access for all
-Our programs maintain a minimum 90% growth rate in SEL outcomes for all participants
-The planning, design and implementation of all programs and services disrupt white supremacy and help to build new more equitable systems
We serve an all ages audience of 6,200 annually, including established and emerging artists, recreational dancers, artist educators, older adults and K-12 youth in public schools. Our programs include:
-Community Programs, our award-winning outreach program that brings dance residencies to 50 NYC public schools, senior centers and community centers in all 5 boroughs annually. Annual audience: 4,000
-The Dancewave Company Program, our year-round, pre-professional training program, connecting young artists with renowned modern and socially-relevant choreographers. Students ages 7-18 benefit from progressive performance and technical training, professional development support, individualized mentorship, and inclusive dialogue focused on social activism. Annual audience: 300
-Moving Together, our intergenerational and multicultural class series offering free and accessible community dance experiences to all in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. Annual audience: 1,000
-Dancewave Through College and Beyond, our unrivaled college readiness and career fair program connecting high school students and their families worldwide to leading US and UK college dance programs each October. Participating colleges have offered participants over $15M in scholarships to date. Annual audience: 500
-Dance Rehearsal Subsidy Program, our subsidized studio rentals and incubator space program for artists from low-income households, thanks to support from Dance/NYC via the Mellon Foundation. Annual audience: 200
-The Class Share Program, our new adult dance program, connects community members with high-quality arts experiences taught by a diverse group of local artists. Featuring a wide range of educational and practice-based opportunities, the Class Share Program serves as a platform for talented artists, educators and visionaries to share their work among a supportive and engaged community. Annual audience: 200
Dancewave’s impact in 2022 was far-reaching, including:
-Removing financial barriers to future-affirming dance education and mentorship for youth, prioritizing equitable access for students from under-resourced communities. In 2022, Dancewave awarded nearly $61,000 in scholarships ($14M to date).
-Facilitating successful college and career transitions, showing young people the power of becoming leaders in the arts. 100% of graduating High School seniors in our pre-professional program went on to top universities or careers in the arts.
-Closing programming gaps in NYC public schools where the arts are not a curricular priority, incorporating positive youth development practices linked to essential life skills. 96% of 2022 students (a total of approx. 5,000 youth) reported improvement in key social and emotional learning outcomes.
-Nurturing emerging artists’ and educators’ professional development by providing incubator space, institutional resources and training to support their practices. In 2022, Dancewave provided over $16,000 in subsidized studio rentals for low-income artists.