Finding a Place of Their Own

By Stephanie Thomas

Founded by four dancers, the Williamsburg Art Nexus, also known as the WAX, came into existence in 1999. The dancers set up shop in what used to be an old factory converted into a rehearsal studio and a professional theater.

The space, transformed into a modern arts arena, also had an art gallery and lounge area. The space was roomy with a 30-by-36-foot stage and seats for up to 64 people.

But a worsening economy and tight real estate market have made it increasingly difficult for performers to continue their careers in the arts. And the dancers at the WAX have not been immune.

From September 2000 to October 2004, the WAX served as an affordable space for artists to work. During this time, more than 250 artists took advantage of the opportunity to create their own endeavors. Events included rehearsals, collaborations and visual art exhibitions.

In 2004, the landlord was persuaded that the building was better suited for condos instead of a performing arts center. The WAX building was sold to developers, leaving the dancers without a space to rehearse and perform.

"We used to have our own space," said Jaclyn Moynahan, the associate director of the WAX, who studied modern dance and pursued a career in Brooklyn as a choreographer. She found it hard to find a steady job in her field. After meeting other dancers who were also struggling in the performing arts industry, they decided to form a group that would help artists display their work.

While rehearsal and performance spaces in Manhattan continued to dwindle due to high real estate prices, the organization was not willing to let dance performers wane in Williamsburg. Instead of giving up on art, the organization shared one last performance and planned for the future. They believed that if all good things had to come to an end, it would only lead to new beginnings.

Today, the WAX rents space in other theaters located in Brooklyn where they have the opportunity to give artists the chance to draw audiences to a wide range of performances. "The WAXworks program is a monthly series," said Moynahan. "All kinds of performances are showcased."

Each month, the performers send out an advisory asking other artists about productions they want to stage. "Usually it's a first-come, first-serve basis," said Moynahan. After this step, the WAX producers and advisers send out a press release and assist the artist in organizing and developing different shows.

In seeking out other venues, the WAX producers and organizers joined forces with Triskelion Arts, another Williamsburg arts group, which has a studio and theater.

"We present about 15 different types of shows a year," said Abby Bender, the director of Triskelion Arts.

Triskelion Arts can hold up to 80 people at a time. Usually when there is a solo artist, there will be about 20 to 40 people in the audience. "Most of the time the audience consist of friends and family of the artist," said Moynahan. The cost of producing the show varies and can cost from $300 to $1,500, depending on how many days the show will be airing, rental fees and technical necessities. Triskelion Arts was opened to dancers and dance companies in October of 2000 and has been a rehearsal and performance space for hundreds of working artists from Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.

Although many dancers find it hard to sustain a position in the dance industry, locations such as Triskelion Arts and programs such as WAXWorks allow artists to perform and prove that they have what it takes to become great artists. The groups also receive much support from the residents of Williamsburg.

"We are a neighborhood space," Bender said. "We have been successful since we started the program."

While still keeping art alive not only for dancers but performing arts companies as well, Triskelion faces an uncertain future. "We will see what happens in 2009," said a colleague of the organization. The institution hopes that it can continue to be a vessel for performing art and carry on production, but its employees fear that Williamsburg is getting too expensive. If so, the organization will have to go out of business or relocate.