An Arts Nonprofit Addressing Identity, Belonging & Social Justice and Reform
What We Do
Professional Arts Training, Advocacy & Community Engagement
The Inner City Ensemble provides free training and performing opportunities to under-served youth in Paterson, NJ, while addressing cultural identity, belonging, and social justice and reform issues through in-person events, screenings, and webinars.
Our mission is to provide healing arts training and creative intervention workshops for under-resourced children and teenagers in Paterson, while presenting low-cost dance concerts and special events, locally and regionally.
Original Works
*Click photos to view footage.
Cry for Justice
2023
Debuted at the PCCC Founder's Theater
Homeward (Bound)
September 2018 - May 2019
Previewed at Great Falls Amphitheater
Where Have You Gone, Trayvon?
August 2018 - September 2019 Commissioned/performed at WP Presents!
THE ENSEMBLE'S
EARLY YEARS (1973-1986)
Committed to Empowering Paterson Youth
Under the direction of Executive Artistic Director Nicholas Rodriguez, the Ensemble performs original repertoire which tackle themes of social justice, cultural identity, and civic engagement.
Students, who audition for the program, engage in rigorous training, contribute to the creation of original work, and receive stipends/honoraria for performances.
The Ensemble provides students with a creative outlet for self-expression while preparing them for success in their professional lives.
Become a Friend
Donations help us continue to train under-served youth while creating innovative works. By contributing to the Inner City Ensemble, you support our dancers as they grow, heal and soar through the arts.
The Inner City Ensemble is grateful to all the agencies, foundations and individuals that support our mission. Our work would not be possible without them. In the past we have received generous funding from the City of Paterson, Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council, the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation, Princeton Area Community Foundation–NJ Arts & Culture Renewal Fund, Paterson Alliance and Ignite–Catch the Fire.
