A salute to a century and a half of cultural enrichment, 92NY (formerly known as 92nd Street Y, New York) hosted a festive evening to recognize their longstanding relationship with the evolution of American modern dance. 92NY’s Board of Directors Chair, Jody Gottfried Arnhold expressed, during the event at the Weill Art Gallery, “Dance history was made here, and dance history continues to be made here,” before joyously declaring, “This is a birthday party!”
The celebration was filled with the clinking of glasses, satisfying appetizers, and the inspiring words of CEO Seth Pinsky, not to mention esteemed guests including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Council Members Julie Menin, Keith Powers, and Rita Joseph. The atmosphere was one of pure delight, casting aside for a moment the tribulations of the outside world.
Firmly rooted in 1874, 92NY was established initially for the Jewish community but has since evolved into a key cultural hub of New York City. The Dance Center, which opened in 1934, and The School of Dance, established a year later, gained renown for their inclusivity across barriers of race, ethnicity, religion, and culture, making dance accessible to all. Pioneering women, immigrants, BIPOC, and Jewish dance artists found a haven here. The institution’s history is studded with the works of legends such as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limón, Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Janet Collins, and Doris Humphrey.
Exhibition: ‘Dance to Belong: A History of Dance at 92NY’
The special night kicked off with “Dance to Belong: A History of Dance at 92NY,” an exhibition impeccably curated by Jessica Friedman, Ninotchka Bennahum, and Jeanne Haffner, with design contributions from Thinc Design. This walk through dance history is replete with photographs, performance programs, artwork, digital media, and seldom-seen film footage, likely to fascinate not only dance enthusiasts but anyone drawn to the profound societal role of the arts.
Stirring imagery abounds within the exhibition; nostalgic dance class photos from the early 20th century, splendid portraits of dance luminaires such as Carmen De Lavallade, and images capturing the essence of underrepresented dance icons like Donald McKayle and Si-lan Chen. Moreover, original materials from pivotal dance moments like Edna Guy and Allison Burroughs’ “Negro Dance Evening” and John Martin’s modern dance symposium hint at the cutting-edge dialogues sparked at 92NY.
What enlivens the exhibition further is the rare and enchanting film footage, offering visitors glimpses into historic performances that shaped modern dance.
150th Anniversary Dance Performance at 92Y
The festivities continued with a singular performance at the Kaufmann Concert Hall that paired historic pieces—by Limón, Graham, and Ailey—with fresh works from contemporary choreographers Omar Román De Jesús, Jamar Roberts, and Hope Boykin. Each performance underscored the enduring legacy of 92Y’s impact on dance while showcasing the dynamic future of the form.
The evening was a testament not only to the revered history of dance but also to the exciting trajectory of the art’s future led by talented artists such as De Jesús, Roberts, and Boykin. A blend of heritage and innovative vision, the event honored the storied history of 92NY with an eye towards a luminous future.
The “Dance to Belong: A History of Dance at 92NY” exhibition is accessible to the public through October 31 in the Milton J. Weill Art Gallery.
FAQ: Celebrating 150 Years of Dance at 92Y
- What is the significance of 92Y to dance history?
- 92Y has been a critical hub for the evolution of American modern dance, hosting and supporting legendary artists and premieres in the dance world since its inception.
- Who are some of the notable artists associated with 92Y?
- Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limón, Katherine Dunham, and many others have contributed to 92Y’s significance in the dance community.
- What does the exhibition “Dance to Belong” include?
- The exhibition features photographs, programs, artworks, digital media, and rare film footage, tracing the rich history of dance at 92Y.
- How long is the “Dance to Belong” exhibition running?
- The exhibition is on view through October 31
Conclusion
The 150th-anniversary celebrations of 92Y are a poignant reminder of the institution’s instrumental role in shaping the landscape of American modern dance. Through vibrant performances and the “Dance to Belong” exhibition, 92Y not only honors its illustrious past but also sets the stage for the future of dance. As visitors and audiences reflect on the contributions of dance legends and anticipate the emergence of new talents, 92Y continues to uphold its commitment to being a crucible of cultural and artistic innovation.