Gibney Dance Center to open September 1

Choreographer Gina Gibney, artistic director of Gina Gibney Dance, today announced plans to greatly expand both her studio space and the range of programs designed to serve the rapidly growing needs of New York's dance and performance community. Her Gibney Dance Center will open on September 1.

Gina Gibney (c)2010, Eva Yaa Asantewaa

For two decades, Gibney has maintained Studio 5-2 at 890 Broadway for company rehearsals and a full roster of professional and specialty classes. Now, with the support of Eliot Feld's Ballet Tech Foundation, Gibney has acquired two more spaces in the building, also known as The Lawrence A. Wien Center for Dance and Theater.

In addition to Studio 5-2 (renamed Studio 3), Gibney Dance Center will be home to two new studios:

Studio 1--a 36' x 36' rehearsal studio and production office designed and equipped for rehearsals and residencies for dance and theater groups

Studio 2--20' x 36' workspace for small group rehearsals, exploratory work and special creative programs; affordable for independent artists and small dance groups

Building on her long track record in community service and innovation, Gibney plans to launch two new programs:

boo-koo--a space grant program that will provide choreographers with rehearsal time and technical assistance in exchange for community give-backs, such as free workshops or performances for audience with limited exposure to the arts

One-Shot--a web-based, solo performance relay curated by Sarah Maxfield. Each participating artist receives six hours of rehearsal time at GDC, during which he or she will create a solo performance specifically for the Internet. Each web-based solo will be premiered online, and remain available in a web-based catalogue for performance viewing at any time.

For Gibney Dance Center rental inquiries, contact Michele Wilson at 212-677-1818 or michele@ginagibneydance.org.