Arts advocates have long been emphasizing the importance of fine arts programs in schools, but still, many dance, music and arts classes are put on the back burner for childhood education.
This September, the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, a nonprofit serving children from lower-income families, is trying to change that—starting on the East End.
After five years in the making, the center is launching its Soul Dance Studio, which will provide affordable hip-hop, jazz and other dance classes to children and teens. The project is pioneered by Bonnie Cannon, who has been the center’s executive director since 2007.
“Sports are big, but the arts aren’t,” Ms. Cannon said. “We always want to supplement and assist our community with things that might be lacking. What’s also important is that we’re always in tune with our culture and history, and that’s why we’re starting to bring in the fine arts.”
The studio is being formed in collaboration with the Venettes Cultural Workshop, a Wyandanch-based nonprofit that provides dance, music and drama workshops to the Long Island community.
“What the Venettes do is totally different than anything else on the East End,” Ms. Cannon said. “The fact that we have this opportunity for them to come out to the Hamptons to work with us is outstanding.”
The classes, which will be held on Friday evenings beginning September 15, will feature The Venettes’s hip-hop choreographer Gabe Meshach, who has danced with popular artists such as Rihanna, Lil’ Kim and Rich Lowe.
“We are totally blessed,” Ms. Cannon laughed. “We’re getting the best of the best out here, it’s just great.”
Ms. Cannon is working closely with Karyn Kemp, who serves as the artistic director of The Venettes. Although Soul Dance Studio is starting out small, the duo believes growth looks promising for the future.
“We’re excited to be able to expand our family out there in the Hamptons,” Ms. Kemp said. “The intention is to grow so we can offer more classes, techniques and genres.”
Ms. Cannon is proud that the cost of each class will be around $15 to $20, as a priority for the center is to provide programs that are affordable for the average family.
Class space is limited, so Ms. Cannon and Ms. Kemp encourage those interested to sign up as soon as possible.
“Our studio is only so big, and I’m confident it will be filled,” Ms. Cannon beamed.
The Soul Dance Studio is located at the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center. Classes begin Fridays at 7 p.m. starting September 15. For more information and to register, call 631-537-0616 or visit bhccrc.org.
on Jul 31, 2017