Bridging Diversity Through Dance

Fabian Barnes fell in love with D.C., while touring with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. After participating in one of the mayor’s summer youth programs, he decided to open the Washington Dance Institute with funding received from the D.C. Art Works.

Today, Barnes' Columbia Heights dance studio aims to bring together a diverse commuity through the shared pursuit of the arts.

Columbia Heights has a diverse population consisting of an African-Americans, Latinos, whites and Asians. The dance studio's participants reflect that diversity. The dance school has students who are Latinos, Indians, African-Americans, Vietnamese and white Americans, said Emy Imoh, who is in charge of the Institute's marketing and registration.

"However, in the ballet classes there is a white majority whereas for African dance classes it's more mixed,” she said.  

Along with racial diversity, there are also significant differences in income levels, in religious backgrounds and social environments.

“There are people who have lived here in this area for many decades while there are people who have recently bought the plush condos in the neighborhood," said Tiffany Hill, the Institute's executive director.

Initially the school was started in the basement of another school, which had some extra space to offer. Over the years, the Institute grew and two years ago relocated to the Columbia Heights location.

The school offers dance lessons in ballet, modern, fusion, folk, jazz, hip-hop and West African dances. At the end of the semester the community classes have performances for friends and family. There are also pre-professional classes,  which are more rigorous, for those keen on taking up dance as a career,. 

Even though the Institute offers classes for all age groups, the primary focus remains the youth. According to Hill, the D.C. Commission on Arts and Humanities and Art Service Communications are trying to bring together programs, organizations and charter schools to revive the arts.

“Our purpose is to get the young people interested and motivated in the arts,” said Barnes. 
 

Often there is a sense of disillusionment and frustration among the youth, Barnes said.

“Having an institute like this gives them an option to do something positive and constructive with their lives,” said Barnes.
 

He said many of the young people in the community have parents who work for more than 12 hours a day, so taking up dance can be a productive after-school hobby that will keep them busy as they have fun.

“Some of the kids don’t fare well in academics and are good in sports or the arts. Here they can realize their own potential and can get something to feel good about themselves,” said Barnes. 
 

With the ongoing economic crisis, it has been difficult for the Institute. Barnes relies on part-time teachers instead of full-time ones, and he's hiring instructors on a contract basis. 

“We are trying to be responsible and still make the necessary changes to suit the situation best,” he said. 

Even during the tough economic times, Barnes said he believes citizens should give back to their community.

"I believe dance is a great way to do that," he said.