Spaces and Programs for the New York Dance Community
Live dance is back! There are numerous dance institutions in New York City that offer incredible performances, financial support to artists, networking opportunities, and other creative resources. We’ve compiled information on four institutions that are icons in the dance industry and do amazing work for the community. Check out some of their programming on their website or social media, and let us know if you see any great performances at these venues!
Cross Streets: Lexington and 92nd
The 92nd Street Y is rich with dance history and remains a staple in the dance and performing arts industry. Originally known as the 92nd St Y Arts Center, the performance arts branch of the program was directed by Doris Humphrey for many years, during which time Alvin Ailey’s Revelations was premiered, closely followed by Jose Limon’s Moors Pavane. In 1994, it was renamed by Harkness Dance Center and is currently directed by Taryn Kaschock Russell.
Some dance programming includes:
Artists in Residence, which provide four choreographers a year with resources like studio space and stipends to create work.
Fridays at Noon, a weekly showing opportunity where the Artists in Residence present their work in their 280 seat theater. Tickets are $15 in advance.
The Harkness Dance Festival hosts many companies and events, including “Passport to Dance,” an international exchange program for dance artists around the world.
Space Grant Program, where choreographers can apply for subsidized space for $10 an hour for projects.
Dance Education Laboratory, which keeping with the tradition of education at the 92nd St Y, provides training for teachers K-12 and beyond.
Cross Streets: 55th St between 6th and 7th Ave
City Center is a spacious and luxurious theater in midtown best known for hosting its annual Fall for Dance Concert, among other programming. Major companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico, The Graham Company, and more hold their seasons at this space every year.
Programing includes:
Ballet Arts, an open dance class resource with daily ballet classes at competitive rates for professionals.
Fall for Dance Festival, a series of dance performances from a variety of dance companies and artists.Every seat in the house is $15 for the festival, and tickets go quick! It’s basically the Harry Styles concert of the modern dance world.
Encores! Is a musical theater program where City Center revives classic musicals for a two week run. This year City Center will be producing “The Tap Dance Kid,” “The Life,” and “Into the Woods.”
Open rehearsals, showcases, and showings throughout the year for patrons and students.
Cross Streets: 19th between 6th and 7th
A product of Bill T Jones and Arnie Zane Dance Company’s merger in 2011, NYLA helps to support dancers “at every stage of their career” by offering performance opportunities to emerging artists, networking programs, and subsidized rental space.
Programming:
Live Core Artist Services provide resources for young artists, including mentorship opportunities, workshops, and reduced rates on shows, master classes, and studio space.
Fresh Tracks continues the tradition of Dance Theater Workshop by supporting five Artists in Residence every year through networking and up to 50 hours of studio space, culminating in an evening performance of their work.
Live Arts Plus open performance spaces to like-minded organizations in order to help them grow and reach broader audiences.
Subsidized space rental for nonprofits, Live Core Artists, and Live Arts Plus partner organizations.
Judson Church/Movement Research
Cross Streets: Thomson and W 3rd St
Like 92nd St Y, Judson Church is as much a historic site as it is an active member in today’s dance industry. Founded in 1978, Judson Church was home to breakout performers like Twyla Tharp and was one of the founding sites for choreographic tools like contact improvisation and the integration of multimedia performances. Today, Judson Church’s dance programming is known as “Movement Research,” and remains an active institution of the New York dance scene.
Programming includes:
Open classes, currently held through Zoom until further notice. Classes include Improvisational Forms, Dark Room Ballet (specifically for visually impaired people), and Trisha Brown Dance Company Class.
Studio Space is offered at $10 an hour for dance rehearsals and workshops at three rehearsal spaces.
A two year Artist in Residence program, supporting the creative process through rehearsal space, commissions, peer dialogue, professional development opportunities, and performance opportunities.
Artist of Color Council “addresses cultural diversity, equity, and sustainable structural integration in MR’s operations, programming, outreach, and throughout its extended communities. The council aspires to increase visibility, opportunities, and engagement with resources for artists of color within the field.” The council meets once a month in a public meeting, and also works with artists to curate participation in Movement Research.
We hope you get the chance to visit some of these institutions in person soon and take advantage of their programming. It’s such a wonderful way to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people, especially with all of the new work and programming available as a result of the last 18 months.
