Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance operates from a gothic revival chapel situated on the grounds of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, providing multipurpose performance and studio spaces. The building contains several studios designed for dance classes, rehearsals, and public performances.

The academy was founded in 1998 by Arthur Aviles and Charles Rice-Gonzalez, beginning operations in a community center before moving to its current location. The move to this site in a former bank building marked a turning point in the organization's growth and stability.

The academy hosts annual festivals like Out Like That, which feature performances by LGBTQ artists from the Bronx and beyond. Visitors experience a dedicated space where these creative voices find a platform to share their work with audiences.

The venue is fully accessible and welcomes visitors for dance classes, workshops, and performances throughout the year. Check ahead for current programming and hours, as the schedule changes seasonally with different events and classes.

The building received landmark status from New York City in 1976 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, recognizing its architectural importance. This dual recognition shows how the structure itself holds historical value separate from the contemporary programs now within it.

Location: New York

Inception: 1998

Official opening: 1998

Address: 2474 Westchester Avenue

Website: http://baadbronx.org

GPS coordinates: 40.83833,-73.84444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43