Dance school in Brooklyn. Culture & Sports use to create the community identity

Located in a former industrial building, the architectural firm has carried out a series of architectural works that transform the exterior and create dance studios, offices, a library and bright, airy and playful dressing rooms for the busy families who arrive every day

Previously Principal Dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dwana Smallwood was later director at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa. After deciding to return to her original neighborhood to teach dancing, the project benefited from direct support from Oprah to stimulate the organization's growth in developing a school and community resource center

The intention of the commission was to use the experiences of professional dance Dwana to return to where she grew up and not only to teach dance, but the trust, love, creativity and self-esteem that comes with learning dancing. DSPAC combines flexible dance studies, performance spaces and administrative functions and serves as a significant cultural resource for the community

The organization aims to use the arts, primarily dance, as a means of empowering youth within the communities of New York City Center. They strive to shape elite dancers and artists who will be able to develop, grow and compete on the world stage

At the beginning of the design process, the Architecture studio developed a series of studies of figures using photography and dance notation to inspire a direct abstraction of movement and the flow of architectural space

The entrance is marked by a suspended canopy, through glass doors flanked by concrete panels carved in 3-d and a marquee that establishes the abstract vocabulary of energy and undulating movement. Ripple and spiral panels suggest the energy and dynamic spirit of public programs

The stairwell and reception area on the second floor are clad with CNC-milled lacquered panels that hide storage, signage and lighting. The circular ripple pattern runs through a colourful and warm library that offers comfortable seating and a social gathering space. The area creates an oasis of calmness for reading and stretching, as well as a social space for connecting with friends and neighbours

Open and bright studios with suspended floors and bright skylights are the main focus for the dancers. The two studios are flexibly divided and can open up to a large dance stage with blackout curtains during performances

The centre is a springboard for creating the identity of the community and encouraging creative activity within the population