Creative Dance Center

Mission

Connecting body and mind to transform lives through dance. The Creative Dance Center, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization providing dance education for people of all ages and abilities and performance opportunities for youth. We envision a joyful and collaborative community that knows how to move and how to move the world.

Who We Are & What We Do

Founded in 1981 by renowned dance educator and author Anne Green Gilbert, the Creative Dance Center (CDC) nurtures self-expression, creativity, and learning through meaningful and joyful dance experiences. 

Our teaching methodology, Brain-Compatible Dance Education, promotes inclusion and diversity; we welcome all ages, sizes, personal and cultural identities, backgrounds, and abilities.
Financial Aid is available to make classes accessible and available to all.

PROGRAMMING INCLUDES: 

Kaleidoscope Dance Company
CDC's resident modern dance group, Kaleidoscope, is made up of youth ages 7-17. Your gift amplifies the voices of youth and helps bring Kaleidoscope to an underserved school making dance and art accessible to hundreds of children!

Mercy Housing Northwest
Free creative dance classes for youth in permanent supportive housing at Mercy's Gardner House in south Seattle since August 2020. Programming expanded in January 2022 to include free classes for youth at Mercy Magnuson Place.

Adaptive BrainDance & Inclusive Classes
For youth and adults with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, and other developmental disabilities. A longtime CDC participant co-teaches Adaptive BrainDance – Joel uses a letterboard to communicate and helps facilitate communication with other nonverbal dancers. 

Professional Learning Opportunities
CDC is a leader in the field of dance education and professional development for dance educators. Your donation means a teacher here in Seattle or as far away as Ecuador will share the transformative power of Brain-Compatible Dance Education with their community. 

Recognition

Donations up to $7,500 will be matched dollar for dollar during GiveBig 2022. Give now and double your donation! Thank you to our Board of Directors and friends of the Creative Dance Center for this generous challenge match.