Features > Dance NewsHappenings in the Field

Dance News: The Clark Center For The Performing Arts, A Seminal Space In NYC Dance History, Turns 60!

City Parks’ SummerStage Celebrates The Clark Center 60th Anniversary

Clark Center NYC is pleased to present a series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the initial founding of the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. For 30 years Clark Center trained dancers, encouraged emerging companies, provided opportunities for dancers of color and identified and developed new choreographic talent under the inspired leadership of Louise Roberts and Kathy Grant.  Sadly, the center became the victim of gentrification and was forced to officially close its doors in 1989. Clark Center NYC, now a 501c3 nonprofit, was created in 2013 by a handful of dancers to preserve the history and legacy of our beloved Center
 
In 2013, a group of Clark Center alumni came together determined to share the stories of dance pioneers who paved the way for so many. Our history, filled with major dance innovators, was too important to be lost. The openness of Clark Center to provide dance training to everyone; regardless of age, ability or background was another major characteristic. 
 
At a time in our country when there is so much discord, we know that the arts can function to heal, educate and bring people together. This is the foundation on which Clark Center was built and on which we are determined to continue.

Alvin Ailey referred to Clark Center as his ‘ritual home’. Photo credit: Clark Center for the Performing Arts.

 
CLARK CENTER 60th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS:

In association with the Clark Center 60th Anniversary Tribute
City Parks’ SummerStage celebrates The Clark Center 60th Anniversary
(All events are FREE and open to the public)

The First Ailey Dancers: Ella Thompson, Nat Horne & Dorene Richardson
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (Doors open 5:30 pm)
El Barrio’s ArtSpace
215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029

West African Dance with Nafisa Sharriff
Thursday, August 15, 2019
7:00 pm
Marcus Garvey Park
18 Mt. Morris Park West, Manhattan, NY 10027

The Clark Center 60th Anniversary Tribute: George Faison Universal Dance Experience / 5Plus Ensemble / Dyane Harvey-Salaam / Juel D. Lane / Amy Hall Garner Dances / HSA Dance Ensemble
In Association with El Barrio ArtSpace
Thursday, August 15, 2019
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Marcus Garvey Park

West African Dance with Nafisa Sharriff
Friday, August 16, 2019
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
El Barrio’s Artspace
215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029

A Celebration of Brazilian Dance
Saturday, August 17, 2019
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
11:30am – 1pm  samba and Orixa dance in Loremil Machado’s honor and style.
1 – 2pm    Brazilian/Capoiera dance on film with Q&A
2:15-3:15 Capoiera Demonstration
El Barrio’s ArtSpace
215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts celebrates Clark Center’s 60th Anniversary 
September 5th, 2019
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
6pm (Details coming)

60th Anniversary Celebration
Save the date Sunday, Oct 6th for our ‘famous’ Clark Center House Party 
@ El Barrio’s Artspace
215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029
Bring your family and friends and join dancers, choreographers, musicians, faculty, students and family members to Remembering our past…. While we Dance into the future.

2nd Annual Dance Showcase bringing together many of Clark Center’s original choreographers along with emerging artists.
Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16 
7pm
@ El Barrio’s Artspace
215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029
The National Arts Club celebrates Clark Center’s 60th Anniversary
April 7th, 2020 7pm
15 Gramercy Park S, New York, NY 10003
Details TBA.

The Dance Enthusiast Shares News From The Dance World And Creates Conversation!
For more FROM THE PRESS: Dance News pieces, click here.
If you have important news to share, please send an announcement or press release to info@dance-enthusiast.com!