Google commemorated the 117th birthday of Martha Graham, an American modern dancer and choreographer, with a special logo featuring tiny animated dancers. Without Graham's legacy, Dance In The Annex (DITA), among numerous contemporary dance collaboratives across the country, wouldn't exist. In return, DITA promotes the art form Graham pioneered throughout Grand Rapids.

"I had so many friends say that [the Martha Graham logo] reminded them of DITA-friends who didn't know who Martha Graham was. That was a huge compliment," said Amy Wilson, DITA co-founder.

Such praise is indicative of DITA's impact on dance and the arts in Grand Rapids. Appearances have included ArtPrize since its inaugural year, UICA's NoshNight and original performances at Wealthy Theatre. Most recently, DITA collaborated with local musicians to perform Trip the Light: Ephemeral at the Theatre. Planning for the upcoming ArtPrize is well underway. Inherently collaborative, DITA will build on the artistic energy that accumulates downtown during the art competition.

DITA Summer Master Class Series 2011 Monday July 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Int./Adv. Contemporary Technique Guest Artist: Jaime Brege Thursday July 14 & 21, 7-8:30 p.m. Int./Adv. Contemporary Technique Guest Artist: Sukie Keita Thursday Aug. 18 & 25, 7-8:30 p.m. Int./Adv. Contemporary Technique Guest Artist: Carrie Morris All Classes $12/$9 Students with ID Classes are located at Wealthy Theatre Annex 1110 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

"We're basing our work this year on site-specific pieces, and the idea that dance in an ephemeral, fleeting art form," Wilson said.

The annex of Wealthy Theatre, from which DITA derives its namesake, is home to the collaborative's affordable master classes that attract talented and diverse Guest Artists across West Michigan. The origins of DITA are derived from the classes, since it began as a core group of dancers in 2008 seeking a type of professional instruction not offered by Grand Rapids dance studios at the time.

Since Wilson moved to Michigan from Brooklyn in 2001, co-founder Angie Yetzke's (now inactive) familiarity and connections within the local dance scene as a long-term resident proved to be invaluable in fostering a sense of community in the area. To this day, DITA exclusively invites Guest Artists connected to West Michigan.

"The dance community in West Michigan is so small," says Wilson. "We have to work together."

Photo: Dance in the Annex, shot by Seth Thompson/Epiglotic Photography