DIW creates opportunities and develops strong partnerships with like-minded community organizations, performing arts venues and schools. The Artist-in-Residence and Outreach Programs exemplify DIW’s commitment to the growth and vitality of Washington DC and its residents.

Artists-in-Residence

Artists-in-Residence are dance organizations, companies or instructors who teach specialized dance forms within DIW programs. DIW invites artists to teach classes in dance forms that augment DIW’s curriculum. Residencies provide greater visibility and stability to the artist, and promote the sustainability of dance the DC dance community.  Selected artists are masters in their idiom and offer the highest quality instruction and education to students in the Pre-professional and Community Programs. Our current Artists-in-Residence are Urban Artistry and Maru Montero Dance Company.

Outreach Partners

DIW has longstanding history of partnerships with K-12 public, private, and charter schools, and senior centers in the metro DC area. Our Outreach programs provide free dance education and fitness instruction to DC residents and students. Recent partners include Bell Multicultural High School, Ferebee Hope Elementary School, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, School for the Arts in Learning, United Planning Organization, and Victory Heights Senior Housing.

In conjunction, with the Department of Employment Services’ Youth Services Division (DOES), DIW offers District youth summer employment and training in dance production and management. Participants in the DOES program are mentored by DIW staff and faculty while earning a salary. The DOES partnership focuses on building behaviors that allow young people to take responsibility for their lives, contribute to society, connect with peers, and build self-respect and hope for the future.