New ADA-Accessible Dance Studio Opens At Atlantic Terminal Houses

FORT GREENE, NY - New York City Councilwoman Laurie A. Cumbo, in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and University Settlement, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 29 to celebrate the new dance studio within the University Settlement Atlantic Terminal Cornerstone Community Center, located at 501 Carlton Ave in Fort Greene. The studio is a $135,000 project that includes a prefabricated ramping system for ADA compliance.

According to a recent press release shared by Councilwoman Cumbo, the new studio is equipped with wood flooring, double ballet barres, or dance bars, full-length wall mirrors, storage doors beneath the stage and a prefabricated ramping for ADA compliance.

“Fort Greene is the heart of Brooklyn’s cultural scene, and now, the residents of the Atlantic Terminal Houses have a new space that will inspire, empower and cultivate the next generation of Misty Croplands and Alvin Aileys,” Cumbo said in the release.

“Despite federal funding cuts to NYCHA and arts education, we are setting the standard by continuing to invest resources that will create opportunities for thousands of residents and families to thrive.”

Isaac Monche, a participant of the community center’s programming, called the dance studio a “gift to us and for the community.”

“We don’t have to be in the classrooms anymore. This is the coolest room in this center,” added Monche.

“Council member Laurie A. Cumbo understands how important arts are, which is why she persevered until the new dance studio at University Settlements Atlantic Terminal Cornerstone Community Center became a reality,” said University Settlement Executive Director Melissa Aase.

“Your efforts mean that generations of young people, who might never have had the opportunity to express themselves through dance, will now be able to share their experiences, their creativity and their stories with their neighbors.”

Photo credit: Office of New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo