Contact Us - Parks & Recreation

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1209 Admiral Street 
Richmond, VA
23220 USA

Email: Ask Parks and Recreation

Phone(804) 646-5733

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CULTURAL ARTS

Art Programs

 

cultural arts cover

Click the link to view the entire current issue of the Parks and Recreation Digest.

Explore your creative and artistic side with our wide variety of art and craft classes. Our students say it's great for stress relief! Adults with special needs are welcome. We have scholarships for new youth students! High School youth are encouraged to enroll in adult classes; scholarships are available.

There is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in creating, observing or learning about the arts, there are programs available to meet your needs. We invite you to take a look at the programs we offer and participate in as many as possible. There are always new and fascinating programs to discover. 

For more information, contact the City Art Program Office at (804) 646-3674.

Dogwood Dell

Byrd Park, 600 South Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220

Dogwood Dell
Dogwood Dell is a 2,400 seat amphitheatre owned and operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and located in Byrd Park.

Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell Schedule of Performances
Since 1956, it has been home to the Festival of Arts; a summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre.

For more information, please call  (804)646-1031.

Festival of Arts
With its eclectic mix of old and new, the Festival of Arts has become one of Richmond's cultural treasures. Through our programming, the Festival of Arts strives to bring the Richmond community some of the most innovative and avant-garde performers, while also respecting the value and importance of traditional and classical works.

Throughout June, July, and August, a variety of shows can be enjoyed at the "Dell" including classical music and dance; drama, comedy, and musical theatre; reggae, pop, swing, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz and contemporary music concerts. The Festival of Arts is flavored for every taste. Come early for a seat in the amphitheatre or bring a blanket to sit in the surrounding park.

Although the dance concerts and programs presented at Dogwood Dell are normally purchased packaged shows for which we provide technical assistance, our three theatre productions are produced fully in-house. While many of our theatre productions are Richmond premieres, we also stage contemporary favorites. These productions continually prove to be some of Richmond's favorites and have even won awards.

Past Festivals
Past Festivals have included performances by The Richmond Symphony, The Lyric Ensemble, Bio Ritmo, 80th Division Army Band, Fat Ammon's, BS&M, Chuck Davis African Dance Ensemble productions, Blue Ridge Theatre Festival, Theatre IV, SPARC and the University of Richmond among many, many others.

Departmental Productions
Departmental produced productions included shows as Camelot, Evita, Steel Magnolias, Raisin in the Sun, Barnum, Jesus Christ Superstar, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Will, The Scarlet Letter, Teahouse of the August Moon, The Shadowbox, The Piano Lesson and many more!

Dogwood Dell Volunteer Opportunities
Opportunities also exist for volunteers to participate in theatre instruction and production. Theatre lovers and volunteers experience behind the scenes activity participate in theatre trips at special rates and attend special appearances of well-known guest actors.

For more information about volunteering call (804)646-1031.

Cancellations
The Dogwood Dell does not cancel performances until show time (unless drastic weather conditions exist). Check out our social media channels during the summer for schedule updates.

Carillon
For more information about the nearby Carillon Bell Tower (World War I Monument), please contact the Virginia War Memorial Foundation at 804-786-2060. 

Dance Program

Click the link to view the current Parks and Recreation Digest.

The City Dance Program offers complete training in a wide variety of dance disciplines and related movement for children aged three years and up, beginners through advanced levels. All of our instructors are fully qualified professionals, possessing many years of teaching and performing experience. All teachers are dedicated to creating a truly caring environment for the younger child and a more challenging curriculum for older students. We also offer a variety of dance, physical activity and martial arts for adults and seniors.

The mission of the City Dance Program is to provide a complete dance training of the highest quality, while remaining accessible and affordable. The program is designed to help youth prepare for their life goals through self-discipline, enhancement of learning skills and physical well-being. In addition, our adult classes have a lasting impact on overall mental health and physical agility.

The City Dance Program offers complete training in a wide variety of dance disciplines and related movement for both children and adults. All of our instructors are fully qualified professionals, possessing many years of teaching and performing experience.

Our children’s classes run all year, so that the young dancers can take time to achieve mastery over their chosen dance form. Our classes are age appropriate and based on the developmental needs of each student. Our more advanced classes are graded on experience and natural abilities. Students can choose from the regular class schedule or the intensive program, which is designed for the more serious dancer.

Our most important objective is to instill life-skills through the art of dance. For the many children who learn kinetically, their schoolwork sometimes improves dramatically; and all students benefit from their gains in confidence and coordination. Our adult classes run 10 weeks per semester; but students may join at any time.

For more information, contact the city Dance Office at (804)646-3673.

Dress Code

Note: Applies to all classes and levels at Pine Camp. It is useful for girls to purchase adjustable tights, which can be used for several different dance classes. One pair of each (suntan and pink) is suggested. Also, if your child does not wear tights with any of her dance shoes, please provide her with thin white socks to prevent foot infections from occurring. Finally, no jewelry should be worn during class, including hoop earrings larger than a finger.

BALLET ATTIRE
Girls: Sky blue, or black, leotard is preferred, with pink tights and pink leather ballet shoes. Please do not purchase the pink stretch-satin shoes sold by some chain stores. No cover-ups, please. A chiffon dance skirt is permitted, but MUST be worn around the child's natural waist, NOT pulled down over the hips. 

Boys: White tee-shirt, navy blue fitted shorts, black ballet shoes and white socks, or a black tank top leotard and jazz pants with white ballet shoes. A dance belt is required for ages nine and older in all dance classes. No cover-ups of any kind are permitted.

HIP-HOP ATTIRE
No street clothes. Fitted tops, sweats, shorts or leggings, and black jazz shoes. Black Jazz pants are also accepted, and so is regular dancewear. Black Jazz sneakers are required for all levels above elementary. Dance shoes must not have been worn outdoors. 
 

JAZZ ATTIRE
Girls: Leotard or bikertard of any color, suntan tights, black "split-sole" jazz shoes. 

Boys: White fitted tee, black jazz pants and black jazz shoes. No cover-ups of any kind are permitted.

MODERN DANCE ATTIRE
Girls: Black leotard, suntan footless tights. Bare feet. 

Boys: Same as Jazz, also with bare feet.

TAP ATTIRE
Girls: Leotard, suntan tights and tan tap shoes with velcro fasteners (if you don't have velcro purchase "Tap-Ties" or use elastic). Wear skirts around the waist. 

Boys: Shorts, or black jazz pants with white-tees and black lace-up men's tap shoes.

The City Dance Theatre

The City Dance Theatre is an award-winning ensemble of approximately 15 young men and women. Together they bring excitement and creativity to movement.

The dance theatre is known for its energetic, crowd pleasing performances throughout the State of Virginia. Students who have achieved the necessary technique and strength may audition for our performing company.

These dancers appear throughout the region, and also travel to dance competitions. As a competition team they have achieved national recognition. They have performed at Disney Worlds’ Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center, with the Richmond Symphony, and at Dogwood Dell. They also perform at local festivals, half-time shows and other special events.

The group of eighteen, with ages ranging from 9 to 18 is very diversified. Under the direction of Annette Holt and Rodney Williams, they perform Classical Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance. Their repertoire ranges from Gospel works and strongly dramatic reflections of African American history to lively and contemporary jazz dances.

To audition, dancers must be at least nine years of age and have training in Ballet, Modern and Jazz. Auditions normally occur in August. Members pay monthly dues, and parents are expected to participate in fund-raising and other Theatre projects.

Young people with an interest in dance now have an exciting opportunity to develop their talents, right in their own neighborhoods! Ballet, tap, jazz, and creative movement. The Theatre brings professional instruction to students at all levels, from beginner through advanced.

Each season closes with a public recital, allowing each student to experience the thrill of performing before an audience. The programs develop not only coordination and agility, but help build character and self-esteem.

To learn more about the City Dance Theatre, or to book the company for your special event, call (804)646-3673. We can design a program to suit your needs, from twenty minutes to two hours. Minimum fee is $75. Why not consider a performance of this dynamic dance company for your event?

    Visual Arts

    Explore your creative and artistic side with our wide variety of art and craft classes. Our students say it's great for stress relief! Adults with special needs are welcome. We have scholarships for new youth students! High School youth are encouraged to enroll in adult classes; scholarships are available.

    The Studio Arts Series is designed for all ages. There is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in creating, observing or learning about the arts, there are programs available to meet your needs. We invite you to take a look at the programs we offer and participate in as many as possible. There are always new and fascinating programs to discover.

    For more information, contact the City Art Program Office at (804)646-3674.

    Festival of Arts

    With its eclectic mix of old and new, the Festival of Arts has become one of Richmond's cultural treasures. Through our programming, the Festival of Arts strives to bring the Richmond community some of the most innovative and avant-garde performers, while also respecting the value and importance of traditional and classical works.

    Throughout June, July, and August, a variety of shows can be enjoyed at the "Dell" including classical music and dance; drama, comedy, and musical theatre; reggae, pop, swing, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz and contemporary music concerts. The Festival of Arts is flavored for every taste. Come early for a seat in the amphitheatre or bring a blanket to sit in the surrounding park.

    Although the dance concerts and programs presented at Dogwood Dell are normally purchased packaged shows for which we provide technical assistance, our three theatre productions are produced fully in-house. While many of our theatre productions are Richmond premieres, we also stage contemporary favorites. These productions continually prove to be some of Richmond's favorites and have even won awards.

    Download the 2024 schedule here.

     

     

    60 Second Short Film Fest logo

     

    Mission Statement

    The 60 Second Short Film Fest celebrates the earth, humanity, and culture by creating a platform for artists to tell their short stories in 60 seconds or less. The annual festival is produced by the City of Richmond’s Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Cultural Arts Division. The event will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Pine Camp Theater.

    The Event

    The annual 60 Second Short Film Fest is produced by the City of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Cultural Arts Division. This small international film festival, which started in 2020, celebrates the earth, humanity, the ordinary and the extraordinary in 60 seconds or less. It examines the bigger picture such as social and environmental justice. It explores culture, art, and place. It encourages up can coming storytellers in our Youth Division, and finally, it strives to leave the audiences with a sense of hope.

    The 60 Second Short Film Fest is held in-person at Pine Camp Theater on the Northside of Richmond, Virginia at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center.  Admission is free!

    Awards will be given for best Live Action-Narrative, Documentary, Animation, and Environmental Film. Award winners will be asked to give a one minute speech either recorded or in-person.

    Submissions for the 2025 Festival will begin in the fall. Make us laugh, cry, and stand up and cheer for your work. Craft your best story of hope, love, dreams, a sustainable future, outdoor adventures, and making the world a better place.

    For Rules and Terms, go to FilmFreeway:

    https://filmfreeway.com/60SecondShortFilmFest

    To see trailers of past 60 Second Short Film Fests, click below:

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2U1gSZry91DVulQN-YwXbD287cUtaqx

     

    Pine Camp Arts and Community Center

    4901 Old Brook Road
    Richmond, VA 23227
    804-646-3677