Dance Block Offers Rehearsal Space for $10 or Less

In December, 2010 Fourth Arts Block (FAB) launched the pilot of Dance Block, a new program designed to increase the amount of affordable dance rental space in the East 4th Street Cultural District, East Village and Lower East Side. Through Dance Block, FAB is assisting with the scheduling, booking and logistics of renting spaces during off-peak hours, blocks of time that are often difficult to rent due to the challenges inherent in running low-cost rehearsal space. Now along with its pilot partner, Rod Rodgers Dance Company & Studios and their two spacious studios, FAB has joined with DUO Multicultural Arts Center, to offer another beautifully lit and historic space for dancers to work and create.

"We're so happy to be able to offer this prime space to New York City dancers. Equipped with a 45 foot deep by 21 foot wide marley floor, the studio provides excellent light, giving dancers and choreographers an environment so conducive to their time spent there." says Tamara Greenfield, Executive Director of FAB."It's true!", Laurel Atwell, a NYC dancer/choreographer and also FAB's Office Manager exclaims, "With all the space, I'm able to really try out all the creative ideas I have for myself and the spatial structures of my dances. And with the history off all the artists in the building, like Andy Warhol had his Gay CInema here, it's inspiring. And, it surely is a bargain for $10 an hour."

Renters can visit www.fabnyc.org/danceblock.php to view space availabily and studio descriptions. FAB's staff is available to answer questions and book space for rehearsals, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. Call 212.228.4670 or email rentals@fabnyc.org. Dance Block will continue to expand to new studios throughout 2011, hoping to partner with various members of the East 4th Street Cultural District, with the generous funds from The Mertz Gilmore Foundation.

About Fourth Arts Block
Fourth Arts Block (FAB), founded in 2001, works to improve and promote the East 4th Street Cultural District and surrounding artistic community, which has supported creative diversity and experimentation for more than 30 years. FAB provides a variety of services, including leading the development and conversion of 100,000 square feet of cultural space, marketing the East Village as an arts destination, and supporting the capacity of artists and arts organizations through creative solutions to collective challenges. For more information, visit www.fabnyc.org.