Ellen Brown, BA, trained at Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts beginning at the age of 3, studying ballet, jazz, tap, modern and Scottish Highland Dancing, which she holds a members level certificate in both Highland and Nationals. She went on to graduate with distinction from Duke University, with a double major in Dance and Psychology. In her time at Duke, she received the Julia Wray Dance Award for being a leader and passionate protagonist for dance at Duke and in North Carolina as well as held the position of president for the tap dancing group On Tap. She then moved to New York City where she danced professionally in a variety of companies and festivals for 7 years including Shift Dance, where she grew to be the Associate Artistic Director, Monica Hogan Danceworks and off-broadway in Freefall Frostbite where she served as assistant dance captain. Upon relocating back to her roots in Winter Garden, she expanded her role with Shift by starting SHIIFT2, a second company to Shift NYC. She is grateful for the jumping off point that this collaborative partnership offered and looks forward to what's ahead. Her individual work has grown and morphed into a new company, 3rd Space Dance. She loves being able to offer a home for dancers with her contemporary movement and to share concert dance with her community of Central Florida.

Our Mission

A third space is a communal space that's distinct from home (first space) and work (second space). Third spaces are vital for individuals to establish a sense of place and belonging. A third space must be accessible and accommodating of needs; there are no prerequisites or requirements that would prevent acceptance or participation in the third place. 

As I caught up with a dear friend of mine after auditions for 3rd Space, my vision for the company became more clear. I spoke about wanting to create a community for like-minded movers. I was seeking dancers with collaborative spirits who were looking to rehearse and perform in concert level contemporary dance. If there was anyone who wanted to move with me, then I also wanted to move with them. I wanted my company to serve my members for what they needed. For some, that may be a home to continue performing in adulthood without the pressure of constant auditioning and training, for others it may be a jumping off point to rehearse and create as they prepare for a professional career in the performing arts. Regardless of the life stage my dancers were at, I wanted to serve them. At the end of our conversation, my friend suggested I read about what a third space was.

I'm so excited to be starting my 3rd year here in Orlando with 3rd Space Dance. I'm looking to continue to share contemporary dance with my community. I hope to elevate the world of movement to the dancers in Central Florida and offer a home to anyone seeking a place to create.