New York City, the vibrant heart of dance, can also be one of the most expensive cities for artists. Finding affordable rehearsal space is a constant challenge for dancers and small dance organizations. Fortunately, the New York City Dance Rehearsal Space Subsidy Program, administered by Dance/NYC and supported by the Mellon Foundation, is stepping in to make a real difference. This program dramatically lowers the financial barriers to accessing quality rehearsal spaces across all five boroughs, helping to foster a more inclusive and thriving dance community.
For dance artists seeking accessible and budget-friendly options, this guide highlights organizations participating in this vital subsidy program. These spaces offer rehearsal time at significantly reduced rates, typically between $5 and $10 per hour, making professional rehearsal facilities attainable for more artists. Explore the list below to find a subsidized dance studio near you and take your next creative project from concept to choreography without breaking the bank.
Subsidized Dance Rehearsal Spaces in Manhattan
Abrons Arts Center
466 Grand Street, New York, NY 10002
Located in the Lower East Side, Abrons Arts Center has a long history of supporting artists. Recognizing the critical need for affordable space in NYC, they offer subsidized rehearsal space to dance makers. Abrons aims to remove financial obstacles from the creative process, ensuring artists have the resources they need to develop their work.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: abronsartscenter.org/rentals
Ballet Hispánico
167 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024
Ballet Hispánico, situated on the Upper West Side, provides state-of-the-art rental spaces ideal for rehearsals, events, and performances. Their studios boast amenities such as hardwood and marley flooring, high ceilings, full-length mirrors, pianos, and on-site production support. These professional facilities are now accessible at subsidized rates for dance artists.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: ballethispanico.org/studio-rental
Dance Theatre of Harlem
466 West 152nd Street (between Amsterdam and St. Nicolas Avenues), New York, NY 10031
Nestled in Sugar Hill since 1969, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Everett Center for the Performing Arts features four dance studios available for subsidized rental. Recently upgraded with sound systems and new dance floors, the studios offer a welcoming and professional environment. Eligible non-profit dance companies can also access subsidized physical therapy services here.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, contact: [email protected]
Fourth Arts Block (FABnyc) / Downtown Art
70 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003
FABnyc’s Dance Block program offers subsidized rehearsal space in five studios on East 4th Street in the East Village. Downtown Art, part of this initiative, provides two ADA-accessible spaces: a black box theater and a loft studio. This program aims to sustain the cultural vibrancy of the Lower East Side by providing crucial resources to dance artists.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: fabnyc.org/danceblock
Gibney: Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center
280 Broadway (entrance at 53A Chambers Street), New York, NY 10007
Gibney has been a cornerstone of the NYC dance community since 1991. Their Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center in Lower Manhattan, along with their Choreographic Center at 890 Broadway, offers a total of 23 studios and five performance spaces. Gibney is committed to making space for dance creation and development through subsidized rental opportunities.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: gibneydance.org/rentals
Hi-ARTS
215 East 99th Street, New York, NY 10029
Located in Harlem, Hi-ARTS is a cultural hub dedicated to Hip-Hop and urban aesthetics. They support artists through residencies, programming, and civic engagement. Hi-ARTS offers subsidized rehearsal space, empowering theater, performance, and visual artists to develop innovative new works within a supportive community environment.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: https://www.hi-artsnyc.org/space-rentals
Movement Research
122 Community Center: 150 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Eden’s Expressway: 537 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10012
Movement Research provides two studio spaces at the 122 Community Center and additional space at Eden’s Expressway in SoHo. These studios feature natural light and sprung wood floors. Movement Research is dedicated to supporting artists’ creative processes by offering these well-maintained spaces at subsidized rates, fostering experimentation and development in contemporary dance.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: movementresearch.org/studio-space
National Dance Institute
217 West 147th Street, New York, NY 10039
The National Dance Institute Center for Learning & the Arts in Harlem boasts a state-of-the-art facility with four studios available for rental, including the Howard Gilman Performance Space. NDI’s mission extends to serving children, teachers, and artists globally, and their subsidized studio rentals support this commitment by providing accessible space for creative exploration.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: https://nationaldance.org/about-ndi/rentals/
New York Live Arts
219 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
Centrally located in Chelsea, New York Live Arts offers two state-of-the-art studios for hourly rentals. These studios are suitable for rehearsals, classes, auditions, and showings. Open daily, New York Live Arts makes professional-quality space accessible to a wide range of artists through the subsidized rental program.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: clients.mindbodyonline.com
Open Jar Studios
1601 Broadway, 11th Floor, (Broadway and 48th Street – Enter on 48th) New York, NY 10019
In the heart of Times Square, Open Jar Studios offers 22 column-free rehearsal studios. With support from Dance/NYC, they provide 12 accessible, windowed dance studios at subsidized rates. These studios feature sprung marley flooring, pianos, and other amenities, making them a prime location for dance rehearsals.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: https://www.openjarstudios.com/studios
PMT Dance Studio
28 West 25th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10010
PMT House of Dance, located in the Flatiron District since 2001, is committed to providing equitable and affordable opportunities in the arts. They offer ADA-compliant studios and a personalized booking approach. Through the Dance/NYC Rehearsal Space Subsidy Program, PMT makes their studios even more accessible to artists.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: https://www.pmthouseofdance.com/rentals
Subsidized Dance Rehearsal Spaces in Brooklyn
CPR – Center for Performance Research
361 Manhattan Avenue, Unit 1, Brooklyn, NY 11211
CPR – Center for Performance Research in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, supports the development of new work in contemporary dance and performance. CPR offers flexible studios and performance space at subsidized rates. They focus on creative and professional development, providing artists with essential space and resources.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: cprnyc.org/rentals
Dancewave
182 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Dancewave in Park Slope, Brooklyn, provides empowering dance experiences and fosters social, emotional, and cognitive development through movement. Their ADA-compliant and LEED-gold certified studio is available for subsidized rentals, supporting a wide range of community needs and promoting dance as an inclusive art form.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: dancewave.org/studio-rental
Mark Morris Dance Group
3 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
The Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, has offered subsidized studio rentals since opening their Dance Center in 2001. With eight professional studios, including a Priority Access opportunity for BIPOC artists, MMDG significantly reduces barriers to high-quality rehearsal space for NYC-based dance artists and companies.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: markmorrisdancegroup.org/dance-center/space-rental/
The Floor
310 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Floor in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, offers studio space for artists and movement instructors, fostering a supportive community. Their main studio is a column-free space with wood floors and mirrors, available for rehearsals, showings, and workshops at subsidized rates.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: https://www.theflooronatlantic.com/rentals
Subsidized Dance Rehearsal Spaces in Queens
Green Space
37-24 24th Street, Suite 211, Long Island City, NY 11101
Green Space in Long Island City, Queens, is a cultural hub and home to Valerie Green/Dance Entropy. Their spacious studio and performance venue provides an affordable and welcoming environment for rehearsals, classes, and performances, operating as a 24/7 resource for the dance community.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: greenspacestudio.org/space
TOPAZ ARTS
55-03 39th Avenue, Woodside, Queens, NY 11377
TOPAZ ARTS in Woodside, Queens, is a 2,500 sq. ft. creative development space founded by artists. They offer affordable space to the dance community with subsidized rates for contemporary dance rehearsals. Their studio features a sprung, radiant-heated floor and a skylight, providing an excellent rehearsal environment.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: topazarts.org/artist-services
Subsidized Dance Rehearsal Spaces in The Bronx
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center
3415 Olinville Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center in the Bronx has served the arts community since 1978. They offer large, light-filled dance rehearsal studios at a very low subsidized rate of $5/hr. With sprung wood floors, barres, and mirrors, Mind-Builders provides essential affordable space in the Bronx.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: https://www.mind-builders.org/contact/space-rental.html
Subsidized Dance Rehearsal Spaces in Staten Island
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terrace, Building G, 2nd Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301
The Dance Center at Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island includes three expansive, state-of-the-art dance studios. Located on historic grounds, these studios offer hardwood and marley flooring, natural light, and access to amenities, providing a unique and subsidized rehearsal option outside of Manhattan.
To book subsidized rehearsal space, visit: snug-harbor.org/dancecenter
Take the Next Step in Your Dance Project
Finding affordable rehearsal space no longer needs to be a barrier to your artistic vision. The New York City Dance Rehearsal Space Subsidy Program, through these participating organizations, offers a wealth of options throughout NYC. Explore these studios, find the perfect space for your needs, and bring your dance project to life. By utilizing these subsidized resources, you contribute to a stronger, more vibrant, and equitable dance community in New York City. Book your subsidized dance studio today and keep creating!
