WHO WE ARE
iHeartDance NYC is a new initiative founded by dance activists Melissa Gerstein and Kimberly Giannelli to celebrate and support the dance artists of New York City through performance opportunities and financial relief. The inaugural sold out 4-performance series on April 18th reprised last October’s event co-produced by Gerstein, which raised emergency funds for the Dancers of NYCB. This series welcomed an intimate audience to bring live dance back to our City in a safe and comfortable environment. The performances featured New York’s biggest dance stars from American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, Tap, Broadway, and more to celebrate artistry, diversity, and resilience—and brought awareness to the dance community’s commitment to their craft.
Realized as a response to the toll the pandemic has taken on the dance community, the heartbeat of this alive and virtuous artform relies on rehearsals and performances to yield earned income. Together, let's shine a light on its hopeful future.
All proceeds from this series will be allocated towards the iHeartDance NYC Fund where dancers will be able to apply for financial assistance through our generous fiscal sponsor, the Irondale Ensemble Project.
Join us for our next performances on May 10 and 24 featuring an all new program of artists from Broadway, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey and a special tribute to the great Ann Reinking sanctioned by The Verdon Fosse Legacy, with the help of James Kinney! We are excited to present world premieres by our Choreographer in Residence David Fernandez, Emmy Award winning choreographer Joshua Bergasse and Elisa Monte Dance's Artistic Director, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, in addition to masterpieces by the great Bob Fosse and the Iconic Jerome Robbins. See you there!
SUPPORT NEW YORK DANCERS IN PERSON
UPCOMING EVENTS
APPLY FOR AID
At the heart of iHeartDance NYC is our mission to provide dancers with the opportunities and resources they need to keep dancing. COVID has sidelined the professional dancers of New York City. We see you and your continued commitment to your craft and are proud to offer emergency and immediate microgrants to alleviate some of your financial burdens.
apply for aid applications will open soon
SHOP
BENEFIT SPONSORS
In the event of rain, our May 10 show will be held Monday, May 17