BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

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“A sanctuary of creativity, wouldn’t you say?” the artist murmured, gesturing towards BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance. BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance stands as a vibrant testament to the power of art. It’s a beacon in the Bronx, radiating creativity and cultural expression. BAAD! was co-founded in 1998 by Arthur Aviles, a renowned dancer and choreographer, and Charles Rice-Gonzalez, a writer and activist. Their vision was to create a space where diverse voices could be heard, particularly within the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. BAAD! originally resided within the historic American Bank Note Company Printing Plant in Hunts Point. Imagine the energy of artists creating and performing in such a unique space. BAAD! became known for its annual festivals like BAAD! Ass Women and Out Like That!, the Bronx’s only festival dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists. It was a hub for the Bronx Dance Coalition and the birthplace of the Bronx Dance Magazine. The academy hosted a thought-provoking film series, Get Tough! Get BAAD!, which explored the issue of gay-bashings in New York City. BAAD! offered a platform for artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to share their stories and celebrate their identities. After 14 years in Hunts Point, BAAD! found a new home. In 2013, they moved to a beautiful gothic revivalist chapel on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Westchester Square. This historic chapel, a designated New York City landmark, adds another layer of richness to BAAD!’s story. Even in its new location, BAAD! continues to serve the South Bronx community. Through initiatives like the TransVisionaries: Live Performance Series, they bring free performances by trans and gender non-conforming artists of color to local venues. BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance is more than just a venue. It’s a living, breathing testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect. It continues to empower artists, foster creativity, and celebrate diversity in the heart of the Bronx.

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