ABOUT
OUR MISSION
Sole City Dance provides a strong technical foundation in dance in a non-competitive, nonjudgmental environment, for the encouragement of artistic expression.
Arts Rochester, Inc., DBA Sole City Dance, is a federally designated 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization.
The non-profit status allows the organization to reinvest money into higher quality programming including more highly qualified educational staff and to produce performances with higher production values (venue, lights, scenery, props.) We are also able raise funds for scholarships that serve children who might otherwise be unable to afford to participate in our programs.
OUR HISTORY
Sole City Dance traces its origins to Arts Rochester, established in April 1982 by a group of dedicated local arts supporters. The organization was initially created to raise funds for restoring the Rochester Opera House by organizing arts events and festivals throughout the city. Over time, Arts Rochester evolved into a community theatre group, producing plays and musicals in various local venues.
In September 1991, Christine Hounsell founded Rochester Movement Arts, a dance studio that soon expanded into the Rochester Creative Arts Center, offering programs in fine arts, music, and theater education. In 2003, the Rochester Creative Arts Center merged with Arts Rochester, creating a comprehensive performing and fine arts education hub. By the fall of 2004, the organization had moved into its new home at the Gonic Mill.
However, in May 2006 and April 2007, devastating floods caused significant damage to the Gonic facility. The organization persevered through the generosity of its loyal supporters but had to downsize and relocate to the Rochester Community Center in September 2007. In 2009, to reflect its renewed focus on dance education, the organization adopted the name Sole City Dance.
In the spring of 2014, Sole City Dance moved to its current location in Somersworth. This new home allowed for the addition of aerial dance to its programming and an inspiring partnership with the Somersworth Youth Connection, providing free dance lessons and clothing to elementary and middle school students.
On July 1, 2018, Sole City Dance marked a new chapter as Christine Hounsell, founder of Rochester Movement Arts and Executive Director of Sole City Dance, retired. She was succeeded by faculty member Alexandra Poulis, who continues to carry the organization’s vision forward.
OUR FACILITIES
Sole City is comprised of four state-of-the-art Dance Studios:
Full-length mirrors
Sprung/Floating floors
Sound system with bluetooth and AUX cord hookup
Heat and AC
3 studios with marley floors, 1 studio with wood floor
Aerial rigging
Our Facility also includes:
Spacious lobby with chairs, tables, and resale shop
Dressing rooms
Two restrooms
Large parking lot
What are floating floors?
Floating Floors, also known as “sprung floors,” are recognized as the best floors available for dance. With the help of foam backing (pictured) the floor is able to absorb shock and decrease the impact on the joints of dancers.
