The New York City Housing Authority Partnership

In collaboration with the New York City Housing Authority, MMDG provides free dance classes for youth and senior residents of Brooklyn public housing. Every week 45 children come to the Dance Center for one-hour jazz/hip-hop dance classes. There are two weekly sessions for children ages six to twelve, and one session for teenagers. Classes are led by MMDG teaching artists Francine Ott and Wayne Daniels. MMDG has expanded this program to include dance classes for senior residents of Brooklyn public housing. Twice a month 40 seniors come to the Dance to participate in dance classes with live music led by MMDG dancer Joe Bowie.

The Mark Morris Dance, Music & Literacy Project

MMDG conducts in-school residences to introduce Brooklyn school children to Mark Morris's L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. The book Mark Morris' L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato: A Celebration (Marlowe & Company, 2001) shows how Mr. Morris created his dance by "collaborating" with three long-dead artists: the composer G.F. Handel, the poet John Milton, and the artist William Blake. This creative effort, spanning 350 years, is a perfect starting point for learning about the interaction of words, music, and dance.

Working with live musicians, teachers guide students through the poems, the music, and the choreography. Students learn to dance sections of the piece, culminating in a performance, and also learn to create original dances. Students visit the Mark Morris Dance Center for a private performance and conversation with the Dance Group.

MMDG collaborates with faculty from each host school to shape the residency, which emphasizes "curriculum connections" with English, the arts, music, social studies, and math. MMDG provides faculty with a study guide, books, and videos, and confer with them throughout the process.

Community After School Program

MMDG offers free, weekly dance classes for neighborhood children ages 9-12 at the Dance Center throughout the school year.

The Community After School Program is designed to provide children with a safe and creative environment in which they can stretch their bodies and minds. Through disciplined dance training, along with their immersion in the sophisticated and social atmosphere of the Dance Center, students can develop an appreciation for the performing arts and respect for themselves and others that will impact their lives far beyond the program. In addition, an important goal of the program is to allow the students to feel that they are cultural participants in their community.

Dance for Parkinson's

Through a partnership with the Brooklyn Parkinson Group, MMDG dancers lead weekly customized dance workshops for people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.

MMDG dancers, David Leventhal and John Heginbotham, and MMDG school faculty member, Misty Owens lead weekly customized dance classes with live musical accompaniment. This program began as a monthly workshop, and became a weekly event. Now, Brooklyn Parkinson Group members come to the Dance Center twice each week - once for the workshop, and once to meet and practice on their own in MMDG's facilities.

Zew Zealand TV report (click on 'Related Video' Medicinal magic of dance)
Watch the ABC News report (video autostarts)

Open House

Twice a year, the Dance Center opens its doors to the general public for a full day of activities. Community members are invited to tour the building and participate in free dance classes.

Performances throughout the day by the student company as well as members of the Mark Morris Dance Group, raffle prizes, refreshments, films and music concerts attract over 300 guests each event.

Brooklyn Public Library Family Programs

MMDG has formed a new partnership with Brooklyn Public Libraries to bring dance and music to branches throughout Brooklyn. Adults and children of all ages come together to learn basic dance movements in classes taught by current and former MMDG company members to live musical accompaniment.

The following branches have hosted this Family Program:
BPL - Central Library, Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn Heights Library
New Utrecht Library
Williamsburgh Library
Caribbean Culture & Library Center at Flatbush Ave