As Kingston has evolved from its industrial past to national prominence as one of the Hudson Valley’s cultural darlings, the Center for Creative Education (CCE) has remained a constant force for good for the working-class and low-income residents who have long called the city home. Since 1989, this nonprofit community center has served as an anchor in Midtown, offering transformative programs in arts, wellness, and education that empower children, families, and neighbors to discover new possibilities.
Founded on the belief that creativity can foster life skills like persistence, teamwork, and focus, CCE began with just a few classes in drumming and dance. Over the decades, it has grown exponentially in both scope and impact, helping generations of students nurture their talents and achieve goals that once seemed out of reach. Today, CCE provides high-quality, innovative programs to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across the Hudson Valley, with a special emphasis on serving low-income, minority, and at-risk youth.
At the heart of CCE’s mission is the idea that the arts can be a bridge to opportunity. The organization’s programming integrates movement, music, and creative expression with mentorship and social-emotional development. Students not only gain confidence through performance and discipline through practice, but also receive support toward their academic and life goals. Over 90 percent of CCE students have graduated from high school and continued on to pursue college degrees, a testament to the center’s lasting impact.
In every season, CCE offers a wide variety of classes and programs that engage mind and body. Families can browse and register for sessions easily through CCE’s new CCE4ME mobile app.
Currently open for weekly enrollment or drop-in attendance is the “Find the Fun” afterschool program. Held Monday-Friday from 3 to 6pm for ages 5–13, the program provides transportation from local schools, meals, homework help, and outdoor recreation alongside a rich rotation of arts-based activities.
Another favorite program is CCE’s “Arts Enrichment” classes, which are open to ages 3-103 and run weekdays from 3 to 8pm. Class offerings range from Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, and Lyrical to Drumming, Comedy, Gymnastics, Energy Speaks (spoken word), Eco Art, Lil’ Ninjas, Mini Builders, and Soul Line Dance. Adult fitness favorites such as Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics, DXF- Dance Xross Fitness, and Move & Groove for ages 55+ round out the schedule.
Performance has always been a defining element of CCE’s approach to fostering confidence and leadership skills. The acclaimed Energy Dance Company trains youth in Hip Hop, Latin, African, Reggae, and Body Percussion. Their dynamic ensembles have earned top honors at the National Spirit, Royal, Encore, and Monsters Dance Competitions. Their talent has also shone brightly on iconic stages, capturing first-place accolades at the legendary Apollo Theater and BET’s 106 & Park.
Beyond competitions, the group has performed at renowned venues such as Jacob’s Pillow, UPAC, the Bardavon Opera House, West Point, and the United Nations. Internationally, the group has returned three times to proudly represent the community at the International Youth Music Festival in Bad Arolsen, Germany, where they performed nightly and led dance workshops in area schools, sharing their passion and inspiring young dancers across borders.
CCE is also home to P.O.O.K. (Percussion Orchestra of Kingston), an intergenerational drumming group that performs traditional and original works at festivals, schools, and community events throughout the region, often in collaboration with the Energy Dance Company.
To learn more, register for classes, or request performances from Energy Dance Company or P.O.O.K., visit Cce4me.org. The CCE4ME mobile app can be downloaded from all app stores. Families are invited to save the date for the organization’s annual fundraising recital on May 16, a joyful celebration featuring performers ages 3 to 90 showcasing the incredible breadth of artistic and movement-based skills students of all ages foster at CCE.
