Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
The City University of New York (CUNY) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the CUNY Dance Initiative, a residency program offering free rehearsal and performance space to selected choreographers and dance companies. The one-year residency grants access to nine performing arts centers and four dance facilities across 13 CUNY campuses. Since its inception, the initiative has supported 220 choreographers and dance companies, including 23 resident artists this academic year.
“CUNY’s service to the communities of New York City goes beyond welcoming students onto its campuses, as can be seen through the dancers and choreographers we have welcomed through the CUNY Dance Initiative since 2014,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “It is a privilege to support the arts of our city by hosting these artists at CUNY and ensuring that they have the space they need to practice and perform, providing affordable entertainment to our neighbors in the process.”
More than half of participating artists self-identify as women, and over 60% identify as people of color. Alumni have received Guggenheim Fellowships and Bessie Awards for work developed during their residencies. Former participants credit the program with fostering connections that led to additional teaching and performance engagements. These dance companies have also contributed by teaching performing arts workshops to over 5,000 students.
Music From the Sole, a tap dance and live music company led by Brazilian choreographer Leonardo Sandoval and composer Gregory Richardson, had residencies at City College in 2021-22 and Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture in 2022-23. “Our two residencies at City College and Hostos were invaluable to us,” said Noé Kains, company manager for Music From the Sole.
Renowned flamenco artists Sonia Olla & Ismael Fernández had three residencies through the program—one at Queens College and two at City College. They choreographed Madonna’s worldwide “Rebel Heart” tour and Ricky Martin’s “All In!” concert in Las Vegas. “This initiative opened us to a network we didn’t know existed,” said Sonia Olla & Ismael Fernández.
Over ten years, CUNY has provided 11,000 hours of studio time to choreographers and dancers. The initiative was created following a report commissioned by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation highlighting New York City's lack of affordable performance spaces.
“The CUNY Dance Initiative is reflective of CUNY’s commitment to New York City,” said Jeff Rosenstock, executive director of Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College. “By providing much-needed rehearsal space and performance opportunities to local choreographers and dancers, we support artists and directly contribute to our city’s creative economy.”
The CUNY Dance Initiative aims to secure rehearsal time and performance space for New York City choreographers while enhancing cultural life on college campuses.
More information about CDI is available at cuny.edu/danceinitiative or on social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and X.
CUNY remains dedicated to providing quality public education regardless of means or background.
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