| Company Mission | About The Center for Contemporary Dance | ||
| • | To Produce a season of compelling dance works that celebrates the creative and cultural diversity of our community. |
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, The Center for Contemporary Dance is a leading Florida production center for professional dance performances and community dance education programs.
The Center for Contemporary Dance produces some of the most exciting, socially-relevant dance works of our time. Over the past 10 years, the organization has cultivated contemporary dance in the area by supporting emerging and seasoned artists in the creation and presentation of more than 200 new dance works, including those by Moore Dance Project, U-Turn Dance Company, Patelworks Dance Theater, DRIP, Nao Dance Collective, Yow Dance and Emotions Dance Company. In addition to producing professional stage productions, the organization reaches more than 1,000 Central Florida public school children through academically-enriching performances, lecture/demonstrations and cultural dance workshops. And as an institute for dance education operating in accordance with the National Standards for Dance Education, the organization's performance-based school of dance is designed to transform dancers of all ages and levels into socially-aware Artists who see their bodies as powerful instruments for purposeful storytelling. |
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| • | To Encourage significant new work by providing an environment in which emerging artists are supported by the finest professionals producing dance today. | ||
| • | To Cultivate the next generation of dance professionals by providing the highest caliber of dance education. | ||
| • | To Reach out to young audiences and underrepresented populations with innovative programs in arts education. | ||
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Contemporary Dance Defined
The catch-all term refers to a broad culture of dance that uses artistic and technical methods developed from Modern and Postmodern dance. Rising out of the early 1960's, contemporary dance can be anything from the fusion of classical dance forms to a modern interpretation of world dance. In most cases, technical skill is used to the degree that it supports the deeper intention of purposeful storytelling. The Center for Contemporary Dance uses this aspect of the art to explore diverse perspectives in our collective history, beliefs and experiences. |
You May Also Be Interested In:
Performances Auditions Classes Pre-Professional Studies Standards of Education Dance Education Forum Press and News Dance Companies Support the Center Contact Us |
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 Craig W. Johnson Co-founder Executive Director |
Dario J. Moore Co-founder Artistic Director |
 Kim M. Johnson Chief Financial Officer Director of Development |
 Pam Coffman Arts Education Consultant |
 Scott T. Evans Arts Education Consultant |
 Sherrie L. Flack Director of Volunteer Services |
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Dario J. Moore Co-Founder The Center for Contemporary Dance, Inc. Craig W. Johnson Co-Founder The Center for Contemporary Dance, Inc. Kim M. Johnson Investor Relations Manager XYMOGEN Davey Spicciati Attorney at Law The Draves Law Firm |
Shantel Thomas Certified Public Accountant Kapila & Co. Lynda Walker Vice President, Total Rewards Design Darden Restaurants, Inc. Marie Binney Director of Business Applications CNL Capital Markets Corporation |
Dr. Margo Blake |
Reverend and Dr. Margo Blake began training over 45 years ago. Her instructors included Lester Wilson, choreographer for "Saturday Night Fever," and Michael Peters, choreographer for Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Thriller" videos, and the original Broadway production of "Dream Girls." She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, and worked on the film "The Wiz." She is a founding artist of the FreshStArts Program at Rollins College, and has owned two dance studios. Dr. Blake holds an H.D.D., B.S. and A.S. in Christian Education, an M.A.A.A. from Goucher College and a B.F.A. from Temple University.
Her dance education includes studies in Ghana, West Africa and Katherine Dunham's Cultural Technique Seminars in St. Louis, MO. She has been a company member with the Bernice Johnson Dance Company and Arthur Hall's Afro-American Dance Ensemble. Dr. Blake has served as an adjunct dance professor at Rollins College and Temple University. Notably, she was the first African-American female Associate Show Director for Walt Disney World Entertainment, training both choreographers and cast members for Festival of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Dr. Blake is currently the Performing Arts and Theology Instructor at Agape Christian Academy. This Instructor Teaches: Elementary African, Dunham Modern and African Cardio |
Overview
Back to Photo List Faculty Members Dario J. Moore Jeré James Dr. Margo Blake Josan Battle Sherrie L. Flack Zuleida Aleman-Herba, MS, CHHC Ingrid Lozano Dawn Branch Craig W. Johnson Marsha Montgomery Whitney Shulman |
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Dance Companies
The Center for Contemporary Dance is responsible for the evolution of contemporary dance in Central Florida, contributing to the development and launch of 7 regularly-presenting local contemporary dance companies and dozens of independent choreographers. Over the past 9 years, the organization has supported emerging and seasoned artists in the creation and presentation of more than 200 new dance works, including those by Moore Dance Project, U-Turn Dance Company, Patelworks Dance Theater, DRIP, Nao Dance Collective, Yow Dance, Tajma and Emotions Dance Company. Performance companies currently supported by the organization include (from left to right): Moore Dance Project, U-Turn Dance Company, Patelworks Dance Theater, and Tajma. |
Overview
Back to Dance Companies Supported Companies Moore Dance Project U-Turn Dance Company Patelworks Dance Theater RPM Dance, Inc. Tajma Related Links Upcoming Performances Upcoming Auditions Book a Performance |
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Get to Know Us Better!
The Center for Contemporary Dance, Inc. is proud to be recognized as one of the first nonprofits in Central Florida to be totally transparent. You'll be seeing a lot about a new knowledge base established by the Community Foundation of Central Florida to help donors and philanthropists validate the organizations they support. You can be among the first to visit and see everything from our management, governance, and programs to an in-depth look at our finances that is searchable and validated. The Community Foundation's leadership believes this new site will allow local nonprofits more exposure to the community, new sources of funding and improved performance. To see our Portrait, click here. To search the knowledge base or share it with others, visit www.mycfcf.org. |
Get to Know Us Better!
Learn More The Center as a 501(c)(3) Gift-Supported Programs Dance Education and Wellness Arts in Community Program Youth Scholarship and Pre-Pro New Works Program Resident Artist Program Your Contribution Ways to Give The Impact of Your Gift Corporate Sponsorship Sponsorship Benefits Sponsorship Opportunities |
FL REGISTRATION #CH32336. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
