The Official Opening of Dance New Amsterdam

Robert Abrams
February 8, 2006

New York City has a rich assortment of dance resources. The newest resource is Dance New Amsterdam. They have just opened a 25,000 square foot facility in the historic Sun Building at 280 Broadway at the corner of Chambers Street (the entrance is actually on Chambers Street). They have built a 135 seat theatre as well as six well lit studios for dance classes and rehearsals. They have planned an opening festival of 50 performances. Charles Wright, DNA's Executive Director, and Mayor Bloomberg gave speeches. Some of DNA's students gave a short performance. Mayor Bloomberg described DNA as "an art and culture cornerstone of the city. DNA is the first major arts organization to relocate south of Canal Street at 9/11 and as such will help to heal the wounds of the city. My administration is working on turning lower Manhattan into a 24/7 mixed use community: it is the fastest growing residential area with 5700 residential units built and another 7400 slated to be built. DNA is part of the city's DNA. Welcome to our 'hood."

DNA has ambitious plans, not only for its own work, but also to provide to support to many other dancers and dance companies. Today was an auspicious start.

Dancers stretch
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams