Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) Dance Center

At DREAM Collaborative, we believe that architecture is the art of giving culture a home. As the architect and co-developer of 2147 Washington Street in Roxbury, DREAM was proud to design the new JEAN APPOLON EXPRESSIONS INC (JAE) Dance Center, fostering a vibrant community connection at the ground floor. This 2,800-square-foot studio is a center for Haitian Folkloric dance, healing and professional excellence. JAE is dedicated to building strong, diverse communities, and we are honored to provide the architectural canvas for their movement. Located in the heart of Nubian Square, this center serves as a premier cultural destination that honors and elevates the community’s legacy through a professional high-performance space.

The new studio features a large open dance area optimized for both rehearsals and performance. To ensure the space coexists with the residential units above, the design utilized rigorous acoustical engineering, featuring dark wall and ceiling panels integrated into a high-STC assembly to contain sound. The Center is equipped with a complex theatrical ceiling grid for lighting and AV, a mirror wall, and a black box theatrical curtain system featuring a 40-foot projection surface. Crucial to the space is a state-of-the-art sprung flooring system, which serves as a vital piece of equipment to support dancer health and longevity. The design is rounded out by an entry vestibule and staff office.

Photography by ShupeStudios.