The Dance Complex in Cambridge’s Central Square marked its 25th anniversary in September 2016, a testament to the enduring power of community and the arts. Founded from the remnants of a bankrupt health club, this vibrant dance hub has become a cornerstone of Cambridge’s cultural landscape. Rozann Kraus, the visionary founder, shared a personal reflection on the journey of The Dance Complex, recalling its humble beginnings and remarkable growth.
From a “Bunch of Dancers Squatting” to a Central Square Landmark
Kraus recounts the initial days of The Dance Complex, which opened its doors on September 21, 1991. It wasn’t initially known as “The Dance Complex Cambridge,” but as the “New Dance Complex,” a moniker quickly shed as the organization’s identity and community spirit blossomed. The early days were characterized by a determined group of dancers eager to infuse the city with movement and rhythm. Kraus fondly remembers a time before the now-iconic sounds of African drumming filled the halls, welcoming visitors to Central Square’s dance haven.
Inside The Dance Complex Cambridge: Lara Tinari leads a vibrant dance class in Central Square studio.
Securing the Space: A Story of Community and Connection
The story of securing the location for The Dance Complex is intertwined with community connections and a touch of serendipity. Kraus, new to Cambridge at the time, reached out to a family friend, Mel Roebuck, for advice on assessing the locked and abandoned property. To her surprise, Roebuck was a senior vice president at Forest City Development. His involvement proved pivotal. Roebuck, intrigued by the idea of people using the subway to reach a dance center, became a champion for the project. He facilitated introductions to key city decision-makers, provided meeting spaces, and played a crucial role in convincing bankers, business leaders, and city officials to support Kraus’s vision.
Kraus presented a simple yet compelling case: a vacant facility with four large studios, an eyesore in Central Square, could be transformed into a valuable asset for dancers and the community, attracting investors and revitalizing the area’s vacant storefronts. The Joy of Movement Center had closed its doors earlier that year, leaving a void that The Dance Complex was poised to fill.
Vision and Collaboration: Opening Doors for Dance
In a moment of collective belief in Cambridge and Somerville, the idea of The Dance Complex took hold. Then-mayor Ken Reeves, sharing a similar vision and energy, became a key ally. Together, Kraus and Reeves navigated the process of gaining access to the building, cleaning it, and establishing it as a volunteer-run, artist-driven dance center. Just months after its September launch, Kraus was invited to present to the Central Square Business Association board. When asked about a five-year plan, she admitted to barely having a five-day plan, highlighting the organic and community-focused nature of the project.
A Mission of Movement and Community Engagement
Despite the lack of a rigid long-term plan, the mission of The Dance Complex was clear: to provide dancers with essential resources and to become a positive force within the broader Cambridge community. Collaborating with Mayor Reeves, DanceMonth was established, transforming Cambridge into a city-wide dance celebration each May for fifteen years. Dance in the Schools, a vital component of DanceMonth, continues to integrate movement and core curriculum in public schools, demonstrating a lasting commitment to dance education. The Dance Complex also fostered a deep respect for history, both in dance and within its Cambridge setting.
Gratitude for a Community Dream Realized
Kraus extends heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of individuals who contributed to making the “miraculous dream” of The Dance Complex a reality. She specifically acknowledges Ken Reeves (now at MIT), Mel Roebuck (retired), Daniel Epstein, Alice Wolf, Jack Dobson, Juliet Blau, Art Klipfel, and countless dancers who volunteered their time and talent to clean, organize, teach, perform, and support the center. Her gratitude extends to the entire city of Cambridge for embracing The Dance Complex and allowing it to become an integral part of the city’s vibrant cultural fabric, noisy drums and all. The Dance Complex Cambridge stands as a vibrant example of community spirit and the power of dance to enrich a city.
