"an exciting, strong dancer..." (Randy James, Randy James/Dance Works);

"one of Rochester’s most distinctive performers." (Herbert Simpson, Dance and Theater critic); and,

"an impressive, strong performer and choreographer..." (Thomas Warfield, artistic director, Peace Art).

Hendrick Dance Project was founded in 1988 by artistic director Colleen Hendrick. Her work is a richly textured fabric of contemporary and African movement motifs that observe her personal experience as American, female, and artist. She has worked closely with Rochester composer, Dan Lansing Brumley whose sound scores often incorporate voice collages and "found" sound. Fine Artist Joe Hendrick often collaborates with HDP to design and create the environmental designs.

In 1994 Ms. Hendrick’s epic work, Days Swinging Home, received the Lillian Fairchild Award for artistic excellence. Ms. Hendrick has performed regularly, including four seasons at the Merce Cunningham Theater in Manhattan, a shared performance with the Urban Bush Women, and as part of the e.e. cummings International Centennial Celebration.

Recently Hendrick Dance Project has begun a collaboration with Bush Mango Drum & Dance. This adventure will bring in guest artists like Michael Markus of Magbana and Mimo Camara of Kibola Sougei to create a full repertoire for the company of drummers and dancers.

For over a decade hundreds of families have participated in Youth Project, a program offering taditional West African percussion and dance activities for children ages 4-18. YP’s mission is to offer movement programming to any child living within Monroe County, regardless of ability to pay. The scholarship program is extensive, as is community participation and support.

While continuing her study of dance and related disciplines, Ms. Hendrick has held teaching positions at the University of Rochester, The Aesthetic Education Institute, and The Children’s Center of Brighton. She is a graduate of the State University of New York, holds a B.A. in Choreography and Creative Writing, and is currently completing her M.F.A. in Performance and Choreography at the State University College of Dance at Brockport.

Hendrick Dance Project is funded by a grant from the New York State Legislature, New York State Council on the Arts, the Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester, The Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation, Quad A for Kids, The Fred and Floy Willmott Foundation, The First Unitarian Church and numerous small businesses and individual contributions.