Dance Gallery Foundation

History

Dance Gallery Foundation was formed in 1984, and in its sixteen-year history has presented three professional modern dance companies, J. Parker Copley Dance Company (1986-90), Dance Gallery under Alan Lommasson (1990-91), and the Peter Sparling Dance Company under Artistic Director Peter Sparling (1993-present). The Foundation has also provided Ann Arbor's only modern dance and movement arts classes run by a not-for-profit studio, and prides itself on the high level of training and professional experience among its studio instructors.

Fall of 2003 marked a turning point in Dance Gallery Foundation's History with a move from space in the former Technology Center, demolished in summer of 2003 to make way for the new Ann Arbor YMCA, to the former Ann Arbor Ball Bearing Factory in the North Main corridor. Through tremendous community support and generous contributions from private donors, the former factory was transformed into a spacious, windows all around studio for dance. This 5,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art studio for dance classes, dance company rehearsals, and community educational outreach programs is a perfect setting for dance to thrive. Dance Gallery Foundation will also continue to offer studio rental for community dancers, dance teachers, and choreographers.

Current Artistic Director Peter Sparling, a native of Michigan, is best known for his fifteen year career with the Martha Graham Dance Company in New York. He is also Professor and former Chair of the University of Michigan Department of Dance. The Peter Sparling Dance Company is based in Ann Arbor and performs its exciting and diverse repertory throughout Michigan and the Midwest. The company is committed to educational outreach, and conducts school and community residencies, lecture-demonstrations, master classes, and workshops in addition to performances.

Dance Gallery Studio conducts classes in modern, ballet, jazz, creative movement, contact improvisation, hip-hop, pilates, yoga, and tai chi, and schedules workshops in a variety of dance styles such as Eurythmy, Brazilian Dance, Alexander Technique, and Feldenkrais. Through a partnership with the University Musical Society, Dance Gallery Studio often hosts special free or low-cost workshops and master classes with dancers and performing artists of international stature.