dancewave

The founder’s drive to make a difference in the life of the community turned this abandoned warehouse into a fully outfitted professional performance space.  

Dancewave is a Brooklyn-based dance organization that serves youth of all ages with various creative programs. As part of the Department of Design and Construction’s Design Excellence program, Studio Joseph renovated the first floor of a free-standing building to include entry, gathering areas, changing rooms and two large dance studios that can be combined to create a performance area. The public process took more than six years, due to funding challenges and extensive review, but throughout, the team worked closely with the client to create this highly functional, creative venue. 

The project is conceived in a palette of natural wood, black and white environments punctuated by brilliantly-colored comfortable lounge furnishings. The entry features a mirrored wall with a large graphic overlay expanding views and continuing the feeling of the dance studio throughout the public areas. Technical requirements for acoustical properties, lighting and a dance floor are all incorporated as part of a fresh architectural vocabulary.