Dance happens at 340 15th Avenue East It's just not always clear what to call the funky space under the street with two studios, a lot of mirrors and a really nice dance floor.
Originally opened by Shirley Jankins under the name Strong Winds Wild Horses, and later run as the nonprofit Dance on Capitol Hill, the studio's current incarnation goes by the more accurate name of Dance Underground.
When DOCH went through a financial implosion a couple of years ago, the Fusion Dance Company took over the space, intending to use it more for a rehearsal space but also keeping up a number of public events and classes.
In turn, Fusion suffered from the financial problems created by a large rent due every month in a rocky arts economy.
By late 2002, it seemed that the space was again in serious danger of closing. Tango teacher Ilana Rubin, who taught or worked at the space for more than 10 years, wanted to make sure that the studio would stay open and get back to its original roots as a home for a multitude of dance styles and classes.
"In November of 2002, I approached [Fusion Dance] about taking over the space and running it as a cooperative," said Rubin, who also runs Seattle Tango. She also talked over her decision with her Seattle Tango partner Tony Fan and Savoy Swing partners Jana Rickel and Steve Crawford.
By January 2003, Rubin, Rickel, Crawford and Fan had come to an agreement with Fusion Dance and the building's landlords to take over the space and rename it Dance Underground.
Once again, the studio offered a full range of classes, social dance parties, rehearsal space for local dance companies and special workshops featuring visiting dance instructors and choreographers.
"We wanted to do the sort of things that the neighborhood has always associated with the space," said Rubin. In order to bring back the community, the partners started remodeling the space as much as they could. "It's not like we're making any money out of this decision, but we're all committed to it. I knew in my heart of hearts that I wanted to do this. This place can be a great space for dance - it doesn't have to be viewed as this black hole under 15th."
The remodeling included better lighting, new doors for the bathrooms and plenty of new paint. In the future, the partners would like to add better seating arrangements for social events. But one thing that they won't touch is the studio's hardwood floors.
"It's a great floor, and gives you great energy when you dance. It seems to draw people who've had dance experiences there," said Rubin.
A number of the old DOCH instructors are returning to teach classes and Jankins is once again using the space for her company's rehearsals.
On Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, the neighborhood will get to a chance to tour the newly refurbished space and participate in free classes.
These will include a Jazzercise Sampler, a Flamenco Class, Axe Capoiera Brazilian Martial Arts, Modern Dance Demo and Participatory Class, Ecstatic Dance Free Dance for first timers, Flamenco Participatory Class and Argentine Tango Class Sampler.
On Sunday, July 20, Dance Underground will host a showcase of performances. For $10, the audience gets a light dessert and a chance to watch Dance Underground teachers demonstrate their skills.
Among the expected performances are Flamenco music and dance, Melinda Hedgecorth; modern dance, Joan Scott Dance Company; Argentine Tango, Tony Fan and Ilana Rubin; Salsa dancing, Somos El Son Dance Company (Victor and Sabrina Chavez); Hip-Hop, Fraggle Rock Crew (Remz Mayo Dancers) and Lindy Hop Swing and the Savoy Swing Club.
The money raised from the showcase will be used to purchase a new awning with the studio's new name on it.
Rosemary Jones writes about arts and entertainment for the Capitol Hill Times. She can be reached at healingpgs@aol.com.[[In-content Ad]]
