LEIMERT PARK : African-American Dance Studio Opens

The Dance Collective, a dance studio operated by African-American dancers, teachers and choreographers, has opened.

Dancers Pat Taylor, Nzingha Camara and Lady Helena Walquer Vereen founded the studio, which will focus on choreography workshops and classes. The studio, at 4327 Degnan Blvd., will also develop and show works in progress.

As part of a community outreach effort, the studio will also have an after-school latchkey program for children, a “Rites of Passage” cultural program for girls ages 7 to 17, and a senior citizen center.

A monthly lecture and discussion series, “A Conversation With . . . ,” will begin in January. A four-month jazz project will pair jazz choreographers with jazz composers in a collaborative effort with World Stage, a local jazz spot.

Information: (213) 292-1538.