Dance
The dance program at the Milbank Arts Hub encourages immersive engagement in both an ensemble and group lesson environment. Dance classes are offered in multiple genres spanning from jazz to hip-hop, and African to contemporary. Students can further their interest with online lessons, social media communication, field trips, performances and special events.
The Dance Room at the Milbank Arts Hub is designed to give young artists a safe and welcoming space to focus, explore, and discover their craft. Students work together in this inclusive environment where sharing ideas and positive critique is part of each session.
Guided by respected professional teaching artists, each student’s unique interests and abilities are molded in tailor-made lessons in a lively, hands-on, and easily accessible environment — whether in person, online, or a mixture of both.
What We Offer
Dance Lessons
Students work closely alongside Professional Teaching Artists in regular weekly group lessons. Offerings include a wide variety of genres from jazz to hip-hop, and African to contemporary.
Online Video Lessons
Video lessons with in-depth breakdowns on style, technique, body mindfulness, and proper stretching.
Dedicated Spaces
Students enjoy safe, dedicated, and well equipped spaces to focus on mastering their art.
High Expectations
From the top down, the dance program promotes a thorough arts education with high expectations for each young artist.
Performances
All students are invited to participate in regular ensemble performances where they can share their talents with their peers and the larger community.
Field Trips
Students are encouraged through field trips to explore and interact with the world of dance outside of the Milbank Arts Hub.
History
The dance program at Children’s Aid is a mainstay of the arts programming and has helped young dancers develop and showcase their talents for decades.
With a legacy of high-quality professional dance teachers that span a vast array of dance styles and genres and a newly renovated dance studio, Milbank looks as much to the future as it does to the past.
Further, it’s partnerships with the prestigious Alvin Ailey Camp and the Garden of Dreams Talent Show, young dancers are offered additional mentorship from professional performers and the opportunity to perform in famous venues like Radio City Music Hall and The American Dance Theater.
Meet the Teachers
Coach Manny
Coach Emmanuel teaches group dance classes to dancers of all levels.
Craig Washington
Craig Washington is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator with a focus in the hip-hop and jazz idioms. Since joining Milbank, Craig has built a comprehensive, engaging, and high-quality dance program which offers both in-person and online lessons. Outside of Milbank, he specializes as a dance instructor and professional dancer with dance companies around New York City.