QUALITIES: fluidity/tranquility/escape/calmness/release/movement/expression
While there are various reasons that New Yorkers may attend movement based classes, whether it be occupational, a natural need to escape, or for therapeutic reasons, the question is what is expected in attending such a class. Typically, when one attends various classes, excluding dance institutes such as Joffrey and NYC Ballet, you may find yourself navigating through a single street level doorway, which then travels into a narrow hall, till one cautiously finds their way to yet another doorway which then finally leads into a studio. Interestingly, many studios have a glass facade for purposes of natural light, also allowing spectators to observe from a street level distance. While a pedestrian is absolutely allowed to observe, there is a sense of intrusion should a spectator catch an eye with a dancer. A moment of awkwardness may occur and then everyone carries on with their own activities once again. This is because there is a definite distance between one and the other. While there is a reason for a needed separation, how can a connection be made between spectator and mover? How can both become involved as active contributors? Or should this separation not only exist, but be exaggerated more so?
There has to be a degree of participation. Dance studios tend to be stowed away in obsolete and undefinable areas, with a simple sign to give direction. Dumbo, just south and adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge is of interest. Surrounded by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy "Main Street lot", Empire-Fulton Ferry, the area is progressively evolving in exciting, eventful, and informative ways. Soon-to-be-open Piers section of the park have attracts visitors to attend programs and events, as well as picnics, ball play, daydreaming and more. Open to new and inventive ideas, this site is perfect to program a new vision of movement studios.
I wouldn' worry about the site in terms of its inherent natural qualities -- like calm and relaxing -- since those can always change. Go ahead and choose a site that would be interesting from any number of perspectives.
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