NS Celebrates Move

with a Parade

April 18, 2011 - With preparations for the BIG MOVE underway NS staff, faculty, board members, students and friends gathered on Saturday, April 16^th to celebrate. The weather may have been a little chilly, but it was a perfect day for a parade. From NS headquarters at 510 Barnum Avenue, marchers traveled the three blocks to Neighborhood Studios’ new home at 391 East Washington Avenue. 

City Councilwoman Lydia Martinez served as Grand Marshal and led the parade, which included members of the Bridgeport Mounted Police and Bridgeport Fire Department. Student groups carried banners identifying their artistic discipline. In addition, a truck from Economy Energy (a sponsor of this year's AileyCamp), the NS bus, and members of the NS Board of Directors also participated. 

African Cultural drummers provided rhythm for marching dancers to perform along the parade route. Other students carried balloons and filled the air with bubbles. 

At the new building, Ms. Martinez and NS Executive Director/CEO Donald Rainone cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the building. A reception offered visitors the opportunity to catch their breath, tour the renovated building, see dance students and the NS Jazz Ensemble perform while relaxing with cake and coffee.

NS will be closed April 28th and 29th in order to move into their new home.