The KDD Theatre (Kinesics Dance Dynamics), a Black Box performance space located on the 5400 block of Germantown Avenue, was broken into Sunday morning, October 13, resulting in over $18,000 in damages and theft.
This incident, which left significant physical damage at the front door and on the studio’s floor, with multiple items stolen, has added a roadblock for owner Kristen S. Clark and the many plans that she has for local performers for this upcoming season.
“We’re disappointed by the break-in because of the amount of damage, and while we have insurance, we’re really trying to make sure we have enough liquid funds to make sure we don’t have to pause,” Clark said. “This week, we’ve been closed, but we are striving to be open and back at it by Friday [Oct. 18].”
The break-in occurred at around 5:00 a.m. that morning, and surveillance footage captured a masked suspect at the scene. A police report was filed with authorities, and an ongoing investigation is being conducted to identify the suspect.
“It didn’t look like anybody that I’m familiar with in the community or that I’ve seen around, so that’s all we could really ascertain right now,” Clark said.
Before getting back to full strength with all of KDD’s programs, Clark plans on moving fast to replace the front door and the cracked Marley flooring that is essential for dancers.
Clark is also the Executive Director of the Germantown Arts District (GAD), a non-profit organization with a heavily anticipated Block Party coming up for the community on Friday, October 25. Some of the stolen items were essential for that event’s operation, such as the sound system and essential tools.
Even during a time of hardship, Clark makes it clear that she won’t let the incident hinder her mindset and everything that the KDD Theatre and GAD have planned.
“I want to take this opportunity to not necessarily focus on saying something happened, but will just acknowledge that this happened in the midst of all the dope things that we’re doing,” Clark said. “We want to make sure we can still operate and provide everything we’ve been providing without too much of an interruption. That’s where my mind frame is right now.”
The KDD Theatre has been a dance education space for the community that offers programs mostly for ages two to 18, revolving around Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and modern disciplines. Occasionally, they offer adult classes for ages 18 and up—one of which will happen tomorrow at 7 p.m. despite the incident.
Founded in 2017, the organization was located on Church Lane during its first four years where Mighty Writers currently stands. In 2021, they moved into their Black Box theater location, which provided a more effective space for dancers and performers and allowed them to expand their community even more.
Registration for this season’s dance programs closes on October 31, and there will be an open house on Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. That day, KDD will offer free trial classes for all attendees at different times throughout the day, which folks can learn more about through the studio’s website.
“It’s an opportunity for people to come in and see how our family is, how we operate, and if KDD is the right fit for them,” Clark said.
During Friday’s adult class, they will teach the choreography for Michael Jackson’s Thriller in preparation for GAD’s Block Party.
“I have a dream of having a flash mob in the hood; I’m hoping that we can get enough people to come to class this week to learn the choreography, so when the DJ plays Thriller at the Block Party, we can have a flash mob dancing,” Clark said.
“Support so far has been what people have had the capacity to give; people have checked in on us and have asked how they can help,” Clark said. “Since it just happened Sunday, the most I’ve asked for is for folks to just keep an eye out for the studio; lay eyes on it when you pass by.”
While insurance will support some of the physical infrastructure of the building, additional financial support for both KDD and GAD’s equipment and operational functions would heavily benefit the entities and help them regain full strength.
“We’ll try applying for some emergency grants, and hopefully that will help,” Clark said. “We still could use some help; in addition to coming to the things we’re holding and helping us display the resilience that we’ve adopted, donate to the cause. We still want to still maintain our ability to pay our staff on time, keep our programs going, and keep our dancers dancing.”
“I want people in the community to know that this place is cared for, and we have folks that give a damn and are looking out for us,” Clark added. “We 100% took a hit, and I don’t want it to erase or overshadow our strengths.”
For folks interested in helping KDD recover from this unfortunate and untimely event, you can show support using their Donorbox page.
