Specialties
The Downtown Dance Collective is a joyful, creative, fluid and multi-functional space in the heart of Missoula's vibrant downtown neighborhood. IIt is a place where artists of all disciplines can collaborate with others to share their crafts and passions with the community. It is also a place for Any Body and Any Ability to receive instruction, see performance, attend workshops, experience art exhibitions, and attend events such as weddings, meetings, fundraisers and other various celebrations. It is a neutral ground where all types of art are welcomed, personal growth is encouraged, and artists may share their craft in an open and supportive environment. Every member of the community is encouraged to grow physically and spiritually. With this space, the DDC has been able to meet several of Missoula's demands for a small performance venue, a place for quality instruction, and a special event facility.
History
Established in 2008.
In September of 2007, Heather Adams formed the Downtown Dance Collective (DDC) in Missoula, Montana. It started simply as a place that offered dance classes for adults out of the third floor of the Missoula Children's Theatre. In May of 2008, the DDC opened its doors at 121 West Main Street.
The DDC is a mirror to the Missoula community. Our classes vary depending on what artists are in the area. We schedule an average of 35 classes a week and they vary from year to year. There are classes for kids, teens and adults. Some classes are registration classes for a set period of time, while others are designed for our clients to drop in whenever they desire. Classes range in ability level from beginner to advanced.
We just celebrated our 5th birthday!!
Meet the Business Owner: Heather A.
Heather began her career in Phoenix in High School. She later attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and moved to New York shortly after graduating. After a few years of dance there, she found the Rocky Mountains of Montana.
In 2008, Heather founded the DDC. She serves as ED and teaches ballet, modern, jazz, swing, salsa, kids, Flamenco, private lessons, and musical theatre classes. She continues to be involved in the community, teaching and performing at various Missoula events, festivals, parties and volunteering her time to local non-profits. She has been on staff at the University of Montana School of Theater and Dance for 5 years as the Jazz Adjunct Instructor and has worked with the Missoula Childrens Theater for 13 years as a performer for community shows and choreographer for summer camps.
Heather has choreographed for Bigfork Summer Theater, Arizona Broadway Theater, Missoula Childrens Theater, Fort Peck Summer Theater and the University of Montana.