By Tammy Scileppi
The dance experience should be available to everybody, but space for creative expression is limited in New York City, and it doesn’t come cheap.
This problem is causing challenges for Queens’ emerging and mid-career dancers, choreographers and dance companies which are looking for a great local studio at an affordable price.
Luckily, there’s a solution. Thanks to a new Artist in Residency Space Grant from Astoria Fine Arts Dance, these creative types may now have an opportunity to enjoy a unique, high-quality studio space led by artists who are opening their doors to a broad community.
That means free rehearsal space without the financial pressure. And residencies are open to all styles of dance, including ballet, modern, jazz, Tap, musical theater, hip hop and more.
The co-founder and director of AFADance, Artemis Gregoriou, knows what this grant can mean for area performers.
“From growing up and dancing in Astoria, I know our community is open to supporting these artists,” Gregoriou said. “I’m proud that AFADance can be a leading organization for dance in Queens.”
Helping working artists is vital to AFA’s mission. With two super-spacious, airy studios in the heart of bustling Astoria, what better place for dance companies and choreographers to rehearse, teach classes and perform for local audiences?
Grant recipients will be part of a peer group of other Artist in Residency recipients, and be given opportunities for more exposure and experience presenting and talking about their work.
Choreographers will have an opportunity to teach open classes, gaining the ability to increase their exposure and build their fan base.
“We’re so happy to be able to do our work in our home borough of Queens,” Juan Castano, managing director of Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, said.
They have worked in New York City for more than a decade and know all too well the challenges involved in not having a space of their own.
“AFADance — an invaluable resource for their accessibility and affordability — provides our company space to rehearse, which is increasingly difficult to obtain and afford in Manhattan,” Castano said.
Amy Marshall, artistic director of Amy Marshall Dance Co., agrees and says it is a wonderful place to create and rehearse. She has been using it for the past two years and has thoroughly enjoyed the venue and staff.
“In a time where it’s difficult to find good spaces, AFADance is top on my list of studios,” Marshall said. “It’s quiet, but has a hum of activity from the Astoria artists who come and take morning class and also rehearse there. Astoria is home for me and I am so happy to have made a connection at AFA. I hope it will also be home to many other artists as well.”
AFA also offers dance classes for everyone, even beginners. It has a Pilates program, perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
For Queens kids, AFA’s fun 2014 Summer Dance Experience includes classes in ballet and modern, musical theater, dance history, flexibility and ballerina etiquette 101.
Applications for the Artist in Residency Space Grant are being accepted now through the summer.
Visit www.afadance.com to apply. Artists will be selected by a panel of AFA directors.
Astoria Fine Arts Dance is located at 38-01 23rd Ave, 2nd Floor, in Astoria. For more information, call (718) 274-0740 or visit its website, www.afadance.com.
