New York City Dance Alliance Foundation's Destiny Rising Evening of Dance Returns to the Joyce Theater

 New York City Dance Alliance Foundation has announced the return of Destiny Rising at the Joyce Theater on March 17, 2025. A multi-disciplinary and multi-generational celebration of dance, the evening champions the work of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, founded by Executive Director Joe Lanteri in 2010 to support the next generation of professional dancers through scholarships for secondary and college education. 

Telling the story of a dancer’s poignant journey from student to professional, the program welcomes young dance students from Art In Motion (Long Island, NY), SWEATshop Dance (Denver), and nearly 40 Foundation scholarship recipients from 2024—recent graduates from high school or in their first year of college—will join together to celebrate the Foundation’s work in an exciting world premiere. Joining them are the Marymount Manhattan College Dance Company and Montclair State University Dance Company, and professional performances from Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ailey II, and Parsons Dance, with more to be announced. Since the Foundation’s inaugural Destiny Rising event in 2010, performances by artists from companies including American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hispanico, New York City Ballet, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and more, have played a pivotal role in championing the mission of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation and contributing to the continued success of this annual celebration. 

NYCDAF remains steadfast in its commitment to invest in the future of professional dancers. As in the past, proceeds from the event will go towards NYCDAF’s College Scholarship Program. To date, NYCDAF has awarded over $5 million to more than 500 gifted teenagers, supporting their pursuit of secondary and college education through an annual nationwide audition for rising seniors and recent high school graduates. This audition, conducted in partnership with more than a dozen esteemed college collaborators, has become a gateway for these talented individuals to access funds for their post-high school education. The recipients of these scholarships have gone on to make significant contributions to Broadway, concert dance companies worldwide, film, and television. 

“Destiny Rising embodies the spirit of our Foundation, illustrating the transformative journey of aspiring dancers—from dedicated students to accomplished professionals,” notes Lanteri. “This evening is a testament to the collective dedication of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation and its profound impact on scholarships, education, and inclusive access. Here's to another year of fostering dreams, and to the countless stories yet to be written with your generous support.” 

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