Happy Birthday, BDC!
April 23, 2014

Salim “Slam” Gauwloos’ contemporary class at BDC

In 1984, Richard Ellner–a late-bloomer to the dance world, who took his first dance class at age 52–took over the Hines-Hatchett studio founded by Maurice Hines and the late Frank Hatchett (DT 2013 lifetime achievement awardee), renaming it Broadway Dance Center. Thirty years and two relocations later, BDC is a second home for many New York City dancers, with its ever-growing roster of the industry’s top teachers in everything from jazz (Hatchett’s specialty) to hip hop to contemporary to ballet.

The late, great Frank Hatchett

BDC wouldn’t think of letting such a milestone go by without a suitable celebration: On May 5, friends and family will gather in the stately Altman Building in the heart of Chelsea. The gala will include pop-up performances, tribute videos and, of course, a chance to get down on the dance floor.

The original BDC studios in midtown

This anniversary gathering comes right on the heels of BDC’s April 1 tribute to VOP jazz king Frank Hatchett at Symphony Space. Hatchett’s students and friends were invited to submit one-minute videos of their favorite memories or sayings of Hatchett, or even short dance tributes, which were shown at the celebration.

 

Top left photo by Sandy Shelton; all courtesy of BDC