Broadway Dance Center (BDC) is a renowned drop-in dance studio and educational institution located at 322 West 45th Street, in the heart New York City's Theater District, Times Square. Founded in 1984, BDC was one of the first "drop-in" dance training schools in the world, offering classes in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop and theater - all under one roof. Since the, BDC has expanded significantly both in physical space and offerings.
Main Campus: Occupying three floors and over 30,000 ft² at its 322 West 45th Street location, BDC features seven state-of-the-art studios, ranging from 1,400 ft² to 2,000 ft² with sprung Marley flooring, pianos, barres, locker rooms, showers and skylights.
Children & Teens: Opened in August 2017, this Lincoln Center facility at 37 West 65th Street offers annual programs, summer camps, workshops, private lessons, and birthday parties for dancers aged 3–18.
Programs & Class Offerings
Drop-In Classes: BDC provides over 350 weekly drop-in classes for all levels and styles of dance. Drop-in classes are for dancers 13 and up. Advance booking is recommended but walk-ins are welcomed.
Educational Programs: In addition to daily drop-in classes, BDC offers structured programing for International and US students. BDC programs are ideal for dancers looking for accountability and mentoring in furthering their professional dance career, building industry connections.
Professional Semester is a four-month program designed for experienced dancers who are age 18–27. This consists of technique classes in multiple disciplines, mock auditions, seminars, and several networking possibilities for young dancers to establish themselves in the industry.[5]
Independent Training Program (ITP) is for performers of varying levels of dance draining looking to improve there versatility or seeking a more flexible schedule. Available for 3, 6, or 12 month.[6]
Summer Training Program provides a nurturing atmosphere of concentrated study for advanced dancers ages 18+. Get a taste of the dance industry in New York City with private curated classes in a variety of genres, networking opportunities, and mock auditions that provide real-world experience.[7]
Junior Training Program consists of two-week periods in which experienced dancers, age 13–17, can choose 15 classes per week from a variety of different genres and teachers and focus on a specific style of dance.[8]
Online & On-Demand: In addition to in-person, classes are available via livestream and though their on-demand platform BDCOnline.
Class Levels
BDC defines its class tiers based on years of training:[9]
Basic - 0–2 years of training
Beginner - 2–5 years of training with basic understanding of discipline and general dance terminology
Advanced Beginner - 5–8 years of training with complete understanding of discipline and general dance terminology
Intermediate - 8–10 years of training
Intermediate/Advanced - 8–10 years of training
Advanced - 10+ years of training, pre-professional and professional
History
In New York City in the early 1980s, aspiring dancers primarily came to NYC to vie for the chance to dance on a Broadway stage. Choreographers like Michael Bennett, Bob Fosse, and Jerome Robbins were creating brilliance on stage, while teachers like Luigi, Charles Kelley, Jamie Rogers, Henry LeTang, Phil Black, David Howard and Frank Hatchett were preparing dancers to become the versatile technical performers needed by these great choreographers.
Long-time New York City resident Richard Ellner took his first tap class at 52 years of age. He was a great fan of Broadway musicals, such as Dancin', Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid, and Cats. He was a business executive who fueled his love of the arts by taking jazz and tap classes. Ellner took his first jazz class with Francine Sama (aka Frankie Anne) when the studio site at 1733 Broadway was known as Jo Jo's Dance Factory. Ellner's desire to expand his training led him to the legendary jazz teacher Frank Hatchett at Hines-Hatchett. He later took on this location, newly named Hines & Hatchett, which was co-owned by Hatchett and Maurice Hines.
In the '80s, Hines-Hatchett was like many small studios throughout the city. Studio owners had the demanding dual role of teaching while administrating their schools.
In 1984, Ellner assumed ownership of Hines-Hatchett, renamed it Broadway Dance Center, and set off to create a studio that would provide a new home for teachers and dancers. Each instructor was encouraged to contribute his or her personal style and expertise. Students enjoyed the convenience of frequenting one studio for diversified training rather than traveling throughout the city.
In the early years, renowned teachers joined BDC's Faculty and solidified the studio's standing in the dance community. A strong word-of-mouth brought students from around the globe. Ellner wished to share the joy of dance class with everyone, not only professionals.
Over the next fifteen years, the studio grew from a one-story building to three stories of creative and business space, and flourished under Ellner's leadership. His daughter Allison came on board and together they formed a strong partnership.
In 1998, the property the studio rented was sold to make way for a high-rise/office building. Being uprooted and forced to relocate, the studio faced a challenging and disappointing time. Ellner died just three weeks after the move to 57th Street, at the age of 69, of a heart attack. The responsibility of securing the studio's future fell to Allison, who wanted to honor her father's legacy.
After seven successful years at 57th Street, BDC was again faced with the dilemma of being forced to relocate in 2006. After a short interim period and with support from the dance community, faculty and staff, BDC was able to rebuild its current state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Times Square. In August 2017, a second location was opened focusing on children and teen dancers near Lincoln Center.[10]
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