ARC Dance is a non-profit arts organization that operates a 9,000 square foot dance facility in the North Ballard/ Crown Hill neighborhood of Seattle, WA. ARC supports community dance education programs and professional performances through the professional ARC Dance Company and the School.
THE COMPANY
ARC Dance operates a 9,000 square foot facility in the North Ballard/Crown Hill neighborhood of Seattle. ARC serves the community through its school’s dance training programs as well as professional company concerts at the Leo Kreielsheimer and Bagley Wright Theatres at Seattle Center. The Company fosters the art of dance by producing the creative work of current dance makers on an ensemble of 8 to 12 classically-trained, professional dancers.
Programs: ARC supports dance performances and education through ARC Dance Company and through its associated school.
MISSION
ARC Dance is committed to high production and artistic values while making dance more accessible to the wider public by presenting a diverse repertoire in intimate venues. ARC fosters dance as an art form through professional performances, educational programs, and the creative work of contemporary dance makers.
STRUCTURE
Répertoire is usually selected and staged with proscenium arch theaters in mind; however, this may change based on programming that requires smaller venues. An open audition call for ARC Dance Company is held annually. Professional dancers with a strong classical ballet foundation and broad experience in contemporary dance make up ARC.
RÉPERTOIRE
The diverse répertoire includes works by nationally and locally established choreographers as well as those by emerging choreographers. Please see the list of choreographers under Artistic Staff.
Choreographers interested in submitting works for consideration should Contact ARC.
HISTORY
Marie Chong began working to establish a new professional dance company in Seattle in 1997. The company’s defining elements would include professional production values, technically strong and versatile dancers, and an eclectic répertoire of dance works that would promote dance as a universal language. Chong also sought to bring the public closer to dance by presenting performances in affordable settings and by curating interesting, yet artistically accessible, choreography.
ARC Dance Productions was incorporated in June, 1999 and received its initial IRS tax-exempt status as a 501(c)3 organization in October, 1999. ARC Dance Company gave its debut performance that same year. ARC has maintained a two-production season since the addition of the annual Nutcracker performances in 2001.
In 2004, ARC Ballet School was launched to offer the Seattle community personalized, mentor-guided, classical ballet training. The School offers four distinct programs for students of all ages, from beginner to the professional-bound dancer. ARC Dance has resided in the former Crown Hill Elementary School in North Ballard since 2004 on a long-term lease. The facility includes multiple studios, a cross-training center, and a performance space.