In 1932, in the midst of economic and political upheaval following the Great Depression, seven modern dancers united to create a proletarian dance collective which would bring current political and social issues to the forefront. These spirited pioneers, Miriam Blecher, Fanya Geltman, Edith Lambert, Rebecca Rosenberg, Edna Ocko, Pauline Schrifman and Grace Wylie dedicated themselves to a social revolution through new styles of dance. Hence, New Dance Group was born.

From its radical beginning, New Dance Group grew into the vanguard of modern dance in New York, fostering an artistic home for emerging choreographers, creating visionary pieces that were presented around the world and establishing a nurturing school for training and discovery. New Dance Group provided an open, multi-cultural gathering place for professional and aspiring dancers alike and became a catalyst for free rebellious art form that affirmed the human spirit.

In the early stages of New Dance Group, trailblazing choreographers changed the face of dance. Jane Dudley, Sophie Maslow and William Bales, known as The Trio, increased artistic influence on socio-political concerns with brazen works such as Dudley’s Harmonica Breakdown, Maslow’s Folksay and Bales’ Black Tambourine. Other luminaries followed, including Pearl Primus, Jean Leon Destine, Hadassah, Eve Gentry, Eva Desca, Donald McKayle, Jose Limon, Ana Sokolow, Daniel Nagrin, Charles Weidman, Stanley Berke, Muriel Mannings and Joyce Trisler.

It is with this insight and vision that New Dance Group Arts Center continues to evolve while the spirit remains the same. Now, more than ever, New Dance Group is committed to the artistry in all individuals.