Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted New York Dance Company for Performances & Classes
Founded in 1998, the Daniel Gwirtzman Dance has established itself as a leader in innovative dance performance and education. Our philosophy centers on celebrating human achievement through disciplined artistry and unbound optimism, offering a diverse repertory that blends virtuosic precision with accessible creativity. With decades of experience, we cultivate artistic excellence through community engagement, professional training, and groundbreaking collaborations.Our team of internationally acclaimed dancers and educators brings expertise in choreography, pedagogy, and cross-cultural partnerships, having worked with institutions from New York City to Brazil and Finland. We prioritize trustworthiness through transparent programming, including award-winning outreach initiatives and curriculum development for public schools, ensuring dance remains a transformative tool for all ages and abilities.
Services
Dance Education Programs
Community Outreach Performances
Professional Training Workshops
Apprenticeship Opportunities
International Residencies
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in contemporary dance performance and education.
- Our team includes internationally recognized choreographers and teaching artists.
- We provide community-focused programs developed in partnership with NYC Department of Education.
- Our repertory spans over 50 original works with stylistic diversity and technical precision.
- We create immersive dance experiences through global collaborations in Brazil, Finland, and beyond.
What people say
Virtuosic precision
Accessible creativity
Emotional expressiveness
Groundbreaking collaborations
Impactful outreach
Services
Dance Education Programs
Our educational initiatives combine technical training with creative exploration for all skill levels. Programs include school residencies, teacher workshops, and youth apprenticeships developed in collaboration with NYC Department of Education. We emphasize dance as a tool for personal growth and academic enrichment, with curricula aligned with state arts standards.
Community Outreach Performances
We create site-specific performances and interactive workshops for diverse communities. Projects integrate local participants in all aspects of production, from choreography to performance. Recent initiatives include cross-generational collaborations and bilingual programs for ESL students, emphasizing dance as a universal language of connection.
Professional Training Workshops
Designed for advanced dancers and educators, these workshops focus on contemporary techniques and choreographic innovation. Participants gain insight into our creative process through studio rehearsals and behind-the-scenes access. The program has trained professionals at institutions including Broadway Dance Center and The Place in London.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Our apprenticeship program provides hands-on experience in performance, choreography, and arts administration. Apprentices work directly with artistic director Daniel Gwirtzman on productions and educational outreach. The program has launched careers for dancers now performing with companies like Alvin Ailey and Mark Morris Dance Group.
International Residencies
We develop cross-cultural projects through residencies in Brazil, Finland, and other international locations. These programs pair local artists with our company for collaborative creation, culminating in performances that blend regional traditions with contemporary dance. Past projects include Brazil's 'Renascimento' and Finland's 'Evoluutio'.
People
Daniel Gwirtzman
Artistic Director
Founder and director since 1998, Daniel Gwirtzman has received critical acclaim for his choreography and teaching. He developed NYC's arts curriculum and created over 50 original works. His career spans Garth Fagan Dance and Mark Morris Dance Group, with teaching appointments at University of Michigan and Columbia University.
Christian von Howard
Senior Dancer
A company member since inception, Christian von Howard brings 12 years of collaboration with Gwirtzman. He serves as artistic director of VON HOWARD PROJECT and teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University. Recognized for his sensuality and presence in performances, he has received NJ State Choreographic Fellowships.
Madeline Hoak
Teaching Artist
Joining in 2007, Madeline Hoak specializes in community engagement and aerial dance. She has performed at Joyce SoHo and with Kinesis Project Dance Theater. Her choreography has been presented at BAX and Abron Arts Center, with a focus on making dance accessible to diverse populations.
Oren Barnoy
Choreographer
A performer since 2000, Oren Barnoy has created works for PS1 MoMA and DanceNOW. He combines dance with multimedia installations, including a video piece featured at Art Basel. His teaching emphasizes improvisation and cross-disciplinary creativity through the company's outreach programs.
Matthew Hakim
Educator
Transitioning from student to performer, Matthew Hakim specializes in modern dance pedagogy. He has taught in four NYC boroughs and developed curriculum connecting dance to academic learning. His theatrical background includes roles in 'Angels in America' and collaborations with international choreographers.
Questions
What age groups do your dance programs serve?
Our programs cater to all ages from preschool through professional dancers, including special programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Do you offer classes for beginners?
Yes, we provide introductory classes focusing on foundational techniques and creative expression for all ages and experience levels.
How can I participate in your apprenticeship program?
Applications are accepted annually through our website, requiring a resume, artistic statement, and video submission demonstrating dance experience.
Are your performances accessible to non-dance audiences?
Our shows use interactive elements and lecture-demonstrations to make contemporary dance accessible and engaging for first-time viewers.
Do you collaborate with other arts organizations?
We partner with institutions like NYC Department of Parks, Joyce Theater Foundation, and international cultural centers for joint productions and residencies.
How does your company support dance education?
We've taught over 12,000 students through NYC public schools partnerships and developed the city's arts curriculum mandated by Mayor Bloomberg.
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