Velocity Dance Center

// Mission //

Velocity Dance Center promotes excellence in the field of contemporary dance, inspiring dance artists to reach their maximum potential. Velocity provides opportunities and space for education, dance creation, performance, and national/international exchange.

// History //

In May 1996, KT Niehoff and Michele Miller opened Velocity Dance Center with the intention to provide the training and rehearsal space necessary for the continued growth of dance in the Puget Sound region. Since it’s inception, Velocity has grown alongside the Seattle dance community, and now offers a full schedule of Ongoing Classes for beginner through professional level dancers, eight artist development programs, and affordable rehearsal and performance space to local dance companies and choreographers.

In 2006, Velocity’s founders decided to move on to other artistic and personal endeavors, and the Board of Directors hired Kara O’Toole to act as Velocity’s Executive Director. Under the direction of Ms. O’Toole, Velocity has continued to serve the Seattle dance community with expanded program offerings.

In 2007, Velocity’s home in the Odd Fellows Building was sold to a developer who tripled Velocity’s rent, making it impossible for the organization to remain in this space long-term. Velocity is currently in the process of a Capital Campaign to raise the funds necessary to relocate to its new home at 1621 12^th Avenue, just around the corner! In its new home, Velocity will continue to serve the Puget Sound region with class offerings, rehearsal and performance space, and artistic programs that support the growth of local and national dance communities.

Seattle has one of the most active dance communities on the West Coast. It is home to dozens of independent choreographers and is renowned for producing innovative, cutting-edge work. With classes every day, performances almost every week and eight ongoing artist development programs, Velocity embodies the cornerstone of Seattle’s dance ecosystem and contributes significantly to the national and international field of dance. Velocity is Seattle’s only dedicated contemporary dance venue where groundbreaking work and disciplined practice coexist.

By the numbers:

• Velocity has over 15,000 site visits a year.
• Velocity serves at least 5,000 individuals: including 3,000 adult students, 100 dance companies and individual artists, and the majority of Seattle’s leading contemporary choreographers.

Velocity maintains an audience of approximately 2,000 dance enthusiasts.