ARC Dance

Mission

ARC Dance is committed to high production and artistic values while making dance accessible to the wider public by presenting a diverse repertoire in intimate venues. ARC fosters dance as an art form through professional performances, educational programs, and the creative work of contemporary dance makers.

Description

ARC Dance operates a 9,000 square foot facility in the North Ballard/Crown Hill neighborhood of Seattle. ARC serves the community through its school's dance training programs as well as professional Company concerts at the Leo Kreielsheimer and Bagley Wright Theatres at Seattle Center. The Company fosters the art of dance by producing the creative work of current dance makers on an ensemble of 8 to 12 classically-trained, professional dancers.

Programs: ARC supports dance performances and education through ARC Dance Company and through its associated school.

Community Impact:
8,000 audience members annually
94732 attendees across 531 performances since 1999
744 artists paid - dancers, choreographers, production/technical, musicians, artistic staff
325 students annually through education programs and master classes
3,500 students total since 2004

Performance venues:
Meany Hall
Bagley Wright Theatre
Leo Kreielsheimer Theatre
Benaroya Hall
Broadway Performance Hall
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center
Shorewood P.A.C.
ARC Dance Performance Space

Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center

History: First generation American born Malaysian Marie Chong began work to establish a new, professional dance production company in Seattle in 1997. The company's defining elements would include professional production values, technically strong and versatile dancers, and a stylistically broad répertoire. Chong also sought to build a organization that would bring the public closer to dance by presenting performances in affordable settings. ARC Dance Productions was incorporated and received its IRS tax-exempt status in 1999. ARC Dance Company gave its debut performance that year.

Leavenworth, WA Dance Intensive Program: In 2026 ARC Dance is pleased to offer the North Central Cascades a summer intensive training program with master teachers and notable artists.

This five-day session features classes in ballet technique, pointe and variations, male technique and variations, jazz (contemporary and Broadway), conditioning (Pilates and Gyrokinesis) as well as seminars in resume preparation and performance stage make-up. Master teachers include: Julie Tobiason (Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer), Gérard Théorêt (Royal Winnipeg Ballet Soloist, Director Cirque du Soleil, Phantom of the Opera) Marika Brussel (Choreographer London, UK), Emma Ruhl (5th Ave Theater, ARC), and Marie Chong (ARC Director) among others.

Seattle Symphony: In 2021, ARC was one of three inaugural recipients of a grant through Seattle Symphony's Community Stages Fund. This initiative supports fellow, local, non-profit organizations by providing access to resources needed to create digital media content while large in-person gatherings are restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ARC used its grant to produce a short film directed and choreographed by Marie Chong: Romeo and Juliet, A Cinematic Ballet which was filmed entirely on location at Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony. ARC has had an ongoing relationship with the Symphony, having collaborated on eight educational and outreach programs performed on stage in the Mark S. Taper concert hall since 2001.

Celebrating 27 years in Seattle: ARC Dance Company has produced a Summer Season of mixed repertory programs since 2008, typically held at the Bagley Wright or Leo K Theatres (Seattle Rep) at Seattle Center. This year the Company will be presenting its Summer Season at the Erickson Theatre on Capital Hill due to FIFA being in Seattle. On the program are new ballets choreographed by Rena Butler (NYC), Marika Brussel (London), and Artistic Director Marie Chong in addition to some returning favorites.