A Movement for Change Doubles in Size and Opportunity
"One of the 100 irreplaceable dance treasures in America"  The Library of Congress

New York City — - The New Dance Group, the 74-year old world renowned performing arts organization, today announced its plans to move into a new, state-of-the art, 21,000 square foot studio space at 305 West 38th Street, on the corner of 8th Avenue, near Penn Station. Thousands of performing artists are anticipating the Grand Opening in mid-September 2006. New Dance Group's (NDG) new home is nearly double the size of its previous studios at 254 West 47th Street, where the company has operated out of for the past 55 years. In what was previously offices, NDG's renovated upgrade led by architect Howard Spivak, includes two floors of 11-studios complete with sprung wood or Marley flooring, new pianos, and floor to ceiling mirrors, a recording studio and vocal room, hi-tech sound systems, large dressing rooms, teachers lounge, stretch area, private entrance, art exhibit gallery, merchandise boutique, and two performance spaces complete with raked seating for over 100 people.

"This move to a new building symbolizes the NDG's movement for change. In addition to doubling our studio space, we're expanding our class curriculum, staff, hours, performance opportunities, and overall vision," exclaims Rick Schussel, who has served as Artistic Director of NDG for the past 20 years. "In 1932, the founding members of NDG wanted to provide a venue to those who wanted to pursue new forms of expression through the arts. In that pursuit, it's imperative for us to continue evolving and meeting the needs of the organization and its community." NDG offers a plethora of affordable, multi-disciplined arts workshops and classes seven days a week; beginning at its Grand Opening, NDG will offer all levels of modern, hip-hop, ballet, yoga, pilates, voice, theater, and multigenerational programs ranging from pre-natal body conditioning to mature 60+ fitness programs. In maintaining NDG's reputation for producing critically acclaimed new choreography (the center has helped create over 350 new dance pieces to date), a monthly Young Choreographer's Showcase will be implemented starting in the Winter of 2006. Also, it will continue renting out its studios for rehearsals and auditions to the arts community including the casts of Chicago, The Producers, and Phantom of the Opera, and artists including Chita Rivera, Bebe Neuwirth, and Susan Stroman.

The New Dance Group is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to creating and presenting work which awakens public awareness and ultimately inspires constructive social and political change. Founded in the early ‘30s by a group of modern dancers, the NDG is New York City's first integrated, multi-cultural dance school and company. The center continues its tradition of arts education by producing educational outreach programs including Times Square Kidz, scholarship showcases, teacher showcases, play readings, etc… For more details, class schedules, and photos, visit www.ndg.org. 

Ribbon cutting featuring Rick Schussel, the Executive Director of NDG, dancers Marge Champion and Donald Saddler, and NDG board members. Photo © & courtesy of April Thibeault

Free hip hop class. Photo © & courtesy of April Thibeault