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
91600 attendees across 410 performances since 1999
644 artists paid - dancers, choreographers, production/technical, musicians, artistic staff
325 students annually through education programs and master classes
3,200 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

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.

Seattle Symphony: In 2021, ARC is one of three inaugural recipients of a grant through Seattle Symphony's Community Stages Fund. This new 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.