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Despite visible remnants of its former incarnations as bank and car showroom, most of the five-story Mark Morris Dance Center has been stripped to concrete and steel, then transformed into glassy, sunny rehearsal and office space. Though the building is primarily a home for the Mark Morris Dance Company, it’s also a school for Brooklyn dancers of all ages: Children’s classes bypass frilly recitals for creative movement with live musical accompaniment; adult classes deviate from traditional ballet with offerings like belly dancing, Brazilian Capoeira, and West African dance. Although the largest of the five studios can be used as a 140-person theater, the center is focused on education, not presentation. Studio rentals are available to local choreographers and arts groups at reasonable rates. — Lori Cole

A glance into Mark’s office—a quirky, bright-green cabinet of kitsch curiosities—provides insight into the personality that inspires the dance center.

Outreach Programs
Dance for Parkinsons has two resident company members leading free weekly classes for patients, and the Mark Morris Dance, Music and Literacy Project is a ten-week intensive for local public schools.