Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Home for Contemporary Dance in Seattle
Founded in 1996, Velocity Dance Center is an artist-led nonprofit in Seattle, WA, dedicated to advancing contemporary dance and movement-based art. We provide Seattle dance-makers with resources, advocacy, and collaborative support to develop impactful art and community initiatives. Our core programs include Creative Residency Programs, Movement Education Programs, and Velocity Presents, which collectively support dance research, creation, and education. We prioritize inclusivity, serving LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and low-income communities through fee waivers, sliding-scale pricing, and targeted outreach. With over 25 years of experience, we employ more than 100 artists annually and engage up to 20,000 audience members and class participants.Our commitment to equity drives initiatives to dismantle systemic barriers in dance, including addressing white supremacy, queerphobia, and transphobia. We offer over $15,000 annually in fee waivers for self-identifying TBIPOC individuals and maintain flexible pricing models to ensure accessibility. Our programs span from emerging to nationally established artists, fostering career development and artistic innovation. Velocitys work is grounded in the recognition of Coast Salish ancestral lands and the stewardship of the Duwamish People. We strive to be a trusted leader in dance education and performance, balancing artistic excellence with community impact.
Services
Dance Classes
Artist Residencies
Performances
Workshops
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in dance education and artist support.
- Our programs prioritize inclusivity for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and low-income communities.
- We provide over $15,000 annually in fee waivers for TBIPOC individuals.
- We employ 100+ artists annually and engage 20,000+ community members.
- Our initiatives address systemic barriers in dance through equity-focused practices.
Services
Dance Classes
Velocity offers diverse dance classes for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Our Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation provides intensive training opportunities. Classes focus on technique, creative practices, and improvisation, led by renowned artists.
Artist Residencies
Our Creative Incubator Programs support artists at all career stages through residencies, mentorship, and financial resources. Programs include Bridge Project, OUT THERE, and Made in Seattle, fostering new work development and career growth.
Performances
Velocity Presents hosts a full season of performances, including the OUT THERE festival and Guest Artist Series. We showcase both emerging and established artists, featuring new works and regional collaborations.
Community Programs
We prioritize accessibility through sliding-scale pricing, work/study discounts, and $15,000+ in annual fee waivers. Our programs specifically support LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and low-income individuals, ensuring equitable access to dance education.
Workshops
Workshops provide unique learning experiences alongside performances and events. These sessions, often led by guest artists, focus on experimental techniques and collaborative practices, enhancing professional development for dancers.
Questions
What programs does Velocity offer for artists?
Velocity provides Creative Incubator Programs, including Bridge Project, OUT THERE, Co-Production, Made in Seattle, and Curating Artist in Residence, supporting artists at all career stages.
How can I attend Velocity performances?
Purchase tickets through our website for events like the OUT THERE festival, Guest Artist Series, and Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation performances.
Are there educational opportunities available?
Yes! We offer dance classes, workshops, and intensives through the Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation and special collaborations with visiting artists.
Does Velocity support accessibility for low-income individuals?
We offer sliding-scale pricing, work/study discounts, and over $15,000 annually in fee waivers for self-identifying TBIPOC individuals to ensure financial accessibility.
How can I get involved with Velocity?
Apply for artist programs, join mailing lists for updates, volunteer, or donate to support our mission of advancing contemporary dance and community engagement.
What is Velocity's commitment to equity?
We prioritize LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and low-income communities, with 59% of programming featuring artists of color and 62% LGBTQ+ artists in 2023, while actively addressing systemic barriers.
