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Updated 1/16/2025

School For Contemporary Dance & Thought

  • Massachusetts

    MA

Institution/Business Type: Arts Service Organization

MISSION STATEMENT:



THE SCHOOL FOR CONTEMPORARY DANCE & THOUGHT
 (SCDT) provides innovative programming for all ages to activate imaginations and facilitate empowerment, transformation, and development through the movement arts. SCDT connects dance practices, performances, and classes with thoughtful public conversation, encouraging and invigorating community engagement.





WHO WE ARE: 



THE SCHOOL FOR CONTEMPORARY DANCE & THOUGHT (SCDT) is a performance, research, and education platform for artists of all ages to engage in experimentation and continued learning through dance. The school maintains virtual and physical spaces to connect local, regional, and international artists through programming that emphasizes multiplicity, curiosity, and personal choice. 



Central to SCDT's purpose is an abiding respect for the tradition and history of dance while continuing to challenge established concert dance ideals and contribute to the evolution of the field. Through artist talks, performances, classes, and workshops, SCDT engages artists and the public in thoughtful movement practices and experiences. SCDT prioritizes and is committed to programs that support the needs of independent artists at every stage in their careers and their creative processes, from research and development to production. The team at SCDT is comprised of working artists who support creators in their art-making, as well as connect the public, university communities, and local and regional organizations.  



SCDT welcomes individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, class, and ability. We believe that diversity creates a world we want to live in, and encourage you, whoever you are, to join us in creating a space for movement, thought, care, and intention.



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SCDT is in a collaborative partnership with A.P.E. @ Hawley at the Northampton Arts Trust.

 

Find Me

Jen Polins (she/they)
Job Title: Director
Phone: 413 695 1799
Address:
33 Hawley Street
Northampton, MA 01060-2117

Social Media:

Additional Content:

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Arts Service Organization

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

2015

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Arts Service Organization

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

2015

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Multi-Disciplinary

Additional Disciplines:

  • Multi-Disciplinary

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Arts for Social Change / Creative Activism
  • Creation of a Work of Art (Including Commissions)
  • Public Art Projects (In Free, Public Spaces)
  • Fiscal Sponsorship
  • Funding
  • Residency - Other
  • Venue Rental
  • Arts Instruction / Lessons
  • Cultural Education
  • Curriculum Development
  • Residency - In School
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
  • Audio or Video Recording
  • Residency - Production / Development
  • Theater Technical Production
  • Artist Representation / Artist Management
  • Consulting - Curatorial Services
  • Product Development Services
  • Professional Development / Training
  • Film Showings
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Professional Network Gatherings / Events
  • Residency - Community
  • Virtual Events
  • Community Arts
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 35

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Families
  • General Public
  • LGBTQ Populations
  • Nonprofits
  • Teens
  • Youth-At-Risk

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • County
  • Multi-County Region
  • State
  • Multi-State Region
  • National
  • International

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

  • Access accommodations for people who use a wheelchair and have limited mobility

SCDT runs programming primarily out of 33 Hawley Street and BOMBYX in Florence, MA. Both spaces are accessible by wheelchair via ramps and elevators.

Media Gallery

two dancers kneeling with heads on floor and hands behind back
two dancers heads standing leaning towards each other heads together and bodies apart
A group of dancers at a jam in a close blob from standing to rolling
A dancer in a standing lean with a video of nails behind her
one dancer on floor propped on elbows
a group of dancers in white looking angelic
dancer teaching class smiling and pointing
Jen Polins
Jen Polins

I Have Worked With

Venues for Rent/Use

Studio 4
Venue Address: 25 Main St. Northampton, MA 01060
Venue Phone: (413)695-1799
Venue Type: Multi-Purpose Room
Venue Accessibility: Facility is physically accessible (such as parking, entrances, accessible restrooms, seating, backstage).
Venue Seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
Venue Features: Dance Floor, Light System / Track Lighting, Movie Screen / Projection Capabilities, Sound System, WiFi