Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn

About Us

Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn is a professional dance company that merges rigorous classical and modern technique with African-American soul and spirit. Under the artistic direction of Jamel Gaines, the company has been hailed by reviewers in the United States and Europe for its “richness of dance tone” and “contagious vitality.

The company has performed internationally and nationally in Italy, England, St. Maarten, California, Seattle, Atlanta and of course, throughout its home base, New York City. Jamel Gaines has created works for Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center, the Rialto, the Paramount Theatre, the American Black Film Festival in Acapulco and worked with artists such as Malik Yoba, Savion Glover, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Madonna and many more esteemed performing arts professionals. Our artists also work in prestigious projects such as FELA! and The Lion King on Broadway, Rihanna’s LIVE tour, and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video.

CO was founded in 1994 and has since grown into a multi-tiered arts organization. The company is comprised of unique performing artists whose talents include theatre, spoken word, live music, and visuals in the form of video and photographic art.

Mission Statement

Creative Outlet serves as a haven for creative and spiritual growth for artists. Creative Outlet's mission is to create an environment and presentation vehicle for artists to develop their work and vision. The company's repertory represents various art forms. Dance being our main ingredient, is infused with theater, voice, poetry, film and live music. Much more than entertainment, the repertory draws attention to our social and cultural issues, which in turn heightens awareness of our responsibilities to the community and the world at large. Ultimately, Creative Outlet endeavors to empower both its artists and the audiences we serve through the arts.

Organizational Structure

The Professional Company is comprised of 6-20 dance performance artist that are specialist in all styles and techniques including ballet, modern, jazz, traditional African, tap, Caribbean, Salsa, Horton, Graham, Dunham and Hip Hop. The division produces concerts, seasonal tours and performance workshops in addition to providing artist and choreographic development, master classes, entertainment for social and corporate events and fitness and movement workshops.

Our Young Artists (YA) or pre-professional company are nurtured from a young age to be the dance superstars of the future.

The Cultural Arts Program (CAP) is dedicated to the physical, mental and spiritual well being of the community through the cultural and creative enrichment of children. The CAP grooms more than 150 young people annually, ages 3 to 21, who are interested in studying the performing arts on a professional level.

The Arts-In-Education Program (AIE) developed as a result of CO’s excellent reputation for educating and empowering minds in the community. The Chancellor’s office of the Board of Education contracted Creative Outlet to provide arts services – dance, drama, voice and visual arts – and instruct 5,000+ students in more than 25 New York City public schools.

Our Summer Intensive is run by our star performers and runs every summer.