92Y Harkness Dance Center

For generations of New Yorkers, the 92Y, now known as 92NY, has been a cornerstone of culture, education, and community on the Upper East Side. Within its esteemed walls lies the Harkness Dance Center, a legendary institution with a history deeply intertwined with the very fabric of modern dance. Established in 1935, the Harkness Dance Center has served as a nurturing ground for dance pioneers and a vibrant space for students of all ages to explore the art of movement. If you're a local in New York City looking to delve into dance, whether for fitness, artistic expression, or professional training, the 92Y Harkness Dance Center offers an unparalleled and historic environment to do so.

The 92Y Harkness Dance Center is not just a place for classes; it's a living legacy. It has been a historic home for modern dance, nurturing the talents of iconic figures such as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, Anna Sokolow, Hanya Holm, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, and many others. These legendary artists not only created and performed but also taught at the Y, laying the groundwork for contemporary dance as we know it today. Supported generously by the Harkness Foundation for Dance, the center continues to be a hub for dance teaching, creation, and performance, serving both the professional dance world and the broader community. This rich history means that stepping into the Harkness Dance Center is stepping into a space where dance history was, and continues to be, made.

While its roots are deep in modern dance, the Harkness Dance Center offers a diverse array of styles and programs, catering to a wide range of interests. As one happy participant succinctly put it, "Israeli dancing there is great." This simple yet powerful testimonial highlights just one of the many vibrant communities that thrive within the center's studios. From dedicated weekly open sessions for Israeli folk dance to comprehensive programs in ballet, jazz, and contemporary forms, the 92Y Harkness Dance Center is committed to connecting artists, audiences, and students of dance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a curious beginner, or a parent seeking quality instruction for your child, you'll find a program that allows you to "explore fundamental questions of identity, society and humanity through dance."

The 92Y Harkness Dance Center is centrally located within the 92NY building at 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA. This prime Upper East Side location offers exceptional convenience and accessibility for New Yorkers from across the city, making it a prominent cultural landmark in Manhattan.

Accessing the 92Y Harkness Dance Center is remarkably easy, primarily due to its excellent public transportation links. The center is situated very close to major subway lines. The 4, 5, and 6 express and local subway trains all stop at the 86th Street and Lexington Avenue station, which is just a block away. This direct access to some of Manhattan's busiest subway lines means a quick and efficient commute for individuals coming from downtown, midtown, and even parts of Brooklyn and the Bronx via simple transfers. Additionally, the Q train (Second Avenue Subway) has a station at 86th Street and Second Avenue, providing another convenient option for those traveling from the far East Side or other areas connected by this relatively new line.

Beyond the subway, numerous MTA bus routes serve the Upper East Side, offering comprehensive coverage throughout the neighborhood. Major bus lines running along Lexington Avenue, Third Avenue, and York Avenue provide various options for reaching the center. While street parking in this popular Manhattan neighborhood can be challenging, the unparalleled public transportation accessibility significantly reduces the need for personal vehicles. For visitors to 92NY, it's worth noting their guidance for accessing events during construction periods; generally, the 92nd Street entrance is used for certain halls, while the Lexington Avenue entrance at 91st Street (South Building) is for other programs, with a third-floor walkway connecting to the North Building. This strategic and well-connected location solidifies 92Y Harkness Dance Center as a highly accessible and desirable destination for dance education and appreciation in New York City.

The 92Y Harkness Dance Center offers a remarkably comprehensive range of services, catering to a diverse community of dancers from various backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. Its offerings span from foundational training to professional development and performance opportunities.

Services Offered:

• Adult Dance Classes: A wide array of classes for adults, suitable for beginners to advanced dancers. Styles include, but are not limited to:
• Ballet
• Modern Dance
• Jazz
• Tap
• Israeli Folk Dance (with open sessions and basics series)
• Flamenco
• Afro-Caribbean Dance
• Spinal Gymnastics and Alexander Technique
• Ballroom and Swing Dance (including Lindy Hop, Jitterbug)
• Total Dance Workout and Dance and Movement for Mature Adults
• Children's Dance Classes: Comprehensive dance education for children of various ages, focusing on fundamentals, creativity, and a love for movement. Programs are designed to be both accessible and serious, teaching "real dance fundamentals" while building confidence.
• Dance Education Laboratory (DEL): A pioneering program that leads the way in dance education, providing training and support for educators to experiment, create, learn, and innovate in dance pedagogy.
• Artist in Residence Program: Provides space and support for world-class dancers and choreographers to explore cutting-edge ideas in movement, fostering new artistic creations.
• Performance Series: Hosting a diverse season of performances by contemporary dance leaders and renowned companies, including their Harkness Mainstage Series and the Future Dance Festival. They often feature works that premiered or have historical significance at the 92Y.
• Workshops and Intensives: Special workshops with existing choreographers and companies are offered throughout the year for serious dancers, alongside other educational workshops on various dance-related topics.
• Community Engagement: Programs designed to bring dance to a wider audience and foster a sense of community around movement and cultural expression, including public open sessions for styles like Israeli folk dance.

The 92Y Harkness Dance Center’s extensive offerings reflect its mission to be a holistic hub for dance teaching, creation, and performance for New York and beyond.

The 92Y Harkness Dance Center is distinguished by numerous features and highlights that underscore its esteemed position in the global dance landscape and its value to the local New York community.

Features / Highlights:

• Historic Legacy and Influence: Founded in 1935, it's a "historic home of modern dance" where pioneers like Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, and Merce Cunningham created, performed, and taught. This rich history provides an unparalleled artistic atmosphere.
• World-Class Faculty: The center hosts "world-class dancers and choreographers" who not only perform but also lead classes and workshops, ensuring instruction of the highest caliber.
• Diverse Program Offerings: A wide range of classes for all ages (children, adults, mature adults) and levels (beginner to professional) across numerous styles (ballet, modern, jazz, Israeli folk dance, tap, swing, etc.). This breadth caters to almost any dance interest.
• Renowned for Israeli Folk Dance: Specifically highlighted by a reviewer, the Israeli dancing program is "great," indicating a strong and popular offering in this particular style. The center has a long history of supporting Jewish dance traditions.
• Dance Education Laboratory (DEL): A unique and influential program dedicated to teacher training and curriculum development in dance education, making it a leader in the field.
• Support for New Works and Artists: Through its Artist-in-Residence program and performance series, Harkness actively supports the creation and presentation of cutting-edge contemporary dance, providing vital resources for the artistic community.
• Community and Social Impact: The center is deeply committed to using dance to "promote self-expression, creativity and societal engagement," offering a "continuous space for dance in always giving sanctuary to contemporary artists."
• Renovated Facilities: With recent significant gifts (like the $5 million from Jody Gottfried Arnhold), the center has undergone physical expansion and upgrades, enhancing the learning and performance spaces.
• Holistic Approach to Dance Education: For children, programs balance "accessible and serious" instruction, ensuring they learn "real dance fundamentals" while "gaining confidence" and understanding their bodies.

These features collectively make the 92Y Harkness Dance Center a globally recognized yet locally invaluable institution for dance.

For inquiries regarding class registration, performance schedules, studio rentals, or any other information about the 92Y Harkness Dance Center, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated staff is available to provide assistance and help you discover the perfect dance program or event for your needs.

Address: 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Phone: (212) 415-5552

Mobile Phone: +1 212-415-5552

We encourage you to reach out by phone or visit our website to explore our extensive offerings and learn more about how you can become a part of the vibrant 92Y Harkness Dance Center community. We look forward to welcoming you.

For New York locals, the 92Y Harkness Dance Center is an exceptionally suitable and highly enriching destination for anyone passionate about dance, regardless of age or experience level. Its profound legacy, diverse offerings, and unparalleled accessibility make it a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape and a truly unique local asset.

Firstly, its prime Upper East Side location at 1395 Lexington Avenue offers unmatched convenience. With the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines just a block away and excellent access to the Q train and various bus routes, getting to the center is remarkably easy from virtually anywhere in Manhattan, as well as parts of Brooklyn and the Bronx. This ease of access is crucial for busy New Yorkers looking to fit dance into their demanding schedules.

Secondly, the sheer breadth and quality of programs are unparalleled. Whether you're a child taking their first steps, an adult seeking a new fitness routine through "Israeli dancing" (as one local reviewer highlighted), or a seasoned professional looking to refine technique, Harkness Dance Center has a class for you. The opportunity to learn from "world-class dancers and choreographers" in a space that has nurtured legends like Martha Graham is a unique privilege for New Yorkers. This isn't just a dance studio; it's an institution with a profound artistic heritage that enriches every lesson and performance.

Finally, the 92Y Harkness Dance Center is more than just a place for physical movement; it’s a vibrant community hub. Its commitment to dance education, fostering new artistic creations through residencies, and offering diverse performances creates a dynamic environment where individuals can connect, grow, and be inspired. For any New Yorker looking for exceptional dance instruction, a supportive community, and a chance to engage with the living history of dance, the 92Y Harkness Dance Center stands out as an indispensable and highly recommended local resource.

92Y Harkness Dance Center

1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA