Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance. Founded in 1998 by choreographer Arthur Avilés and writer Charles Rice-González, the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance is a pioneering cultural institution dedicated to presenting and nurturing contemporary performance, with a particular focus on supporting LGBTQ artists and artists of color. Housed within the historic American Bank Note Company Building in the Hunts Point section of The Bronx, it serves as a vital hub for experimental dance, performance art, and multidisciplinary work. The academy's programming challenges traditional narratives and amplifies underrepresented voices within the broader landscape of New York City arts.

● History

The organization was established in 1998 by Arthur Avilés, a former dancer with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, and Charles Rice-González, a writer and community activist. Its founding was a direct response to the lack of infrastructure for experimental performance art and contemporary dance in The Bronx, aiming to create a dedicated space for artists often marginalized by mainstream venues in Manhattan. A pivotal moment in its development was securing a permanent home in 2005 within the American Bank Note Company Building, a landmark industrial structure that became part of the Hunts Point cultural corridor. This move, supported by partnerships with organizations like the Bronx Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, solidified its role as an anchor institution. Over the decades, it has grown from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized center, consistently championing the work of Latino artists, queer performers, and local Bronx creators.

● Mission and Programs

The core mission is to present cutting-edge performance art and dance that reflects the diversity of The Bronx and to provide a platform for LGBTQ artists and artists of color. Central to its programming is the BAAD! Ass Women Festival, an annual event showcasing works by female-identifying artists. Another key program is the Out Like That performance series, which highlights queer artists exploring themes of identity and community. The academy also hosts the Arthur Avilés Typical Theater, the resident dance company, which performs original works that often engage with Puerto Rican heritage and queer narratives. These initiatives are designed to foster artistic risk-taking and dialogue, operating in contrast to more commercial presentations found in districts like Chelsea or the Theater District.

● Performance and Events

The performance calendar features a dynamic mix of local, national, and international artists working in contemporary dance, theater, and multidisciplinary forms. Notable events have included productions by the Arthur Avilés Typical Theater and festivals that bring together ensembles like the Ballet Hispanico and experimental troupes. The venue regularly presents works that premiere at BAAD! before traveling to other major festivals, such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave Festival or the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. Its events often intersect with community celebrations, including collaborations during Bronx Week or programs tied to Pride Month. The intimate setting encourages direct engagement between performers and audiences, creating a distinctive experience compared to larger institutions like the Joyce Theater or Apollo Theater.

● Education and Outreach

Educational initiatives are deeply integrated into the organization's community engagement, offering workshops, master classes, and lecture-demonstrations led by visiting and resident artists. Programs often target youth in The Bronx, providing training in dance technique, choreography, and performance creation. Partnerships with local entities, including Hostos Community College and various New York City public schools, facilitate these outreach efforts. The academy also mentors emerging choreographers through residency opportunities, providing studio space and production support. These activities extend its impact beyond the stage, nurturing the next generation of artists and cultivating local audiences for the performing arts.

● Venue and Facilities

The academy operates from a flexible black-box theater and adjacent studio spaces within the repurposed American Bank Note Company Building. This facility, part of the larger Hunts Point campus that also houses BronxArtSpace, features adaptable seating and professional lighting and sound systems suitable for experimental works. The building's industrial character provides a raw, evocative backdrop for performances. The venue's location in the South Bronx places it within a network of cultural assets, including the Point Community Development Corporation and the Bronx Museum of the Arts, contributing to the area's revitalization as an arts destination.

Category:Arts organizations in New York City Category:Dance in New York City Category:Organizations based in the Bronx Category:LGBTQ culture in New York City