Hixon Dance is a Modern Dance performing ensemble founded in 2007 and based in central Ohio. Our Dance Education program, started in 2017, emphasizes collaboration, creativity, community, and a healthy approach to training with a growth mindset. We accept all people into a friendly, nurturing, and fun environment in which both children and adults can realize their physical and creative potential!
Whether you are an absolute beginner, an advanced dance practitioner, or someone looking to “get in shape” or for a fun recreational outlet, we offer something for you. We can’t wait to meet you and have you join the Hixon Dance family!
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**DANCE EDUCATION DONE DIFFERENTLY**
There are a lot of dance studios in central Ohio. How will you know which one is the right fit for you? Hixon Dance offers a totally unique approach to dance training and education. Grounded in Modern dance and somatic practices, our classes inspire students to enjoy the freedom and joy of dancing. No matter your age or previous dance experience, you will find a safe space to explore your own creative ideas and movement needs. Dr. Rachael Riggs Leyva, director of Education, leads our highly-trained and experienced staff. Our teachers have higher education degrees in Dance as well as additional certifications in specific modalities. They bring years of teaching experience to a broad range of age groups, including early childhood development, dance literacy, mentorship, and social activism. They have a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology to ensure that training is safe, effective, prevents injury, and teaches students how to understand their own bodies.
**Exploring Together. Moving Together.**
We believe that dance is an art form, not a sport. Our Education Program and Performing Company are focused on collaboration, not competition. Each dancer brings their own unique ideas, perspectives, and value into the studio and we celebrate all contributions to the learning or creating process. Beginning with our Kids Classes (ages 7+) students have the opportunity to participate in one of our Performing Companies. Each week, students will work with professionals to learn the art of choreography, craft their own dances working together with peers, and then have opportunities to perform in the community. Through this process we encourage students to learn how to cooperate with friends and problem solve together. What makes this so unique? YOUR DANCER WILL CREATE THE DANCE! Students won’t learn a dance choreographed by the instructor. With age appropriate guidance, they will be the choreographers and the performers. They will learn from professionals in the field about costuming, lighting design, set design, and more. It’s an incredible experience!
**No Leotards, No Limits!**
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**THE COMPANY**
Always Moving. Hixon Dance has been a mainstay of the independent dance community for over 12 years, producing rich collaborative productions for the public. Known for presenting impactful and finely crafted works, the company regularly collaborates with a wide range of other artists—especially musicians—and experts in other fields to inspire, create, and produce new work. Notable recent productions include “Entanglement” and “False Prophets.”
The company has been invited to perform or commissioned to create new works for a variety of arts organizations, community groups, and other events. Hixon Dance has been commissioned by The National Academy of Sciences, Opera Project Columbus, the McConnell Arts Center, Bowling Green Area Community Bands, Wittenberg University, Groundshare Arts Alliance, Vox Novus, and others. They have been invited to perform for The Wexner Center for the Arts, The OhioDance Festival, Ten Tiny Dances, The Dance Compassion Project, GCAC’s “New Choreography Project,” and Columbus Movement Movement (cm2) among others. Education and outreach are a central component of the company’s mission. Through performances, master classes, interactive outreach, and residencies, the company has provided meaningful dance experiences to a diverse range of audiences. They have worked with CATCO is Kids, Terra Community College, Dublin Dance Center, Worthington City Schools, Fremont City Schools, The Wellington School, Upper Arlington City Schools, and the All People’s Youth Development and Freedom Schools, among others. Hixon Dance is a nonprofit, and receives support from The Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Ohio Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, Puffin Foundation West, the Johnstone Fund for New Music, and through other grants and individual donors. They have been featured in the Columbus Dispatch, on LifeLine Columbus, and were considered “highlights of the dance season” on several occasions by Jay Weitz of the Columbus Alive!
