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Happy 25th Anniversary, Joyce Theater Foundation! Thou Too Sail on, Oh Ship of Dance By
Francine L. Trevens
Even
the lobby, with its graceful staircase to a lower “deck” where the dancers’
dressing rooms, audience lounge and lavatory facilities lodged, had
echoes of an art deco cruise ship as one stood above at the railing
peering down. It also has a large video screen
depicting the work of upcoming dance companies – a tantalizing
view as you await being seated or is buying your tickets.
All
facilities are immaculately clean and inviting. The staff of the theatre
is also inviting -- smiling, relaxed and friendly, on this and other
occasions. In fact, after
the performance, eager to connect with one of the dancers, I forgot
my jacket, and never thought of it again until the next morning. I called the theatre’s lost and found. A cheerful voice assured me my jacket
was there and she was taking good care of it. She wondered when I would be able to pick it up. We made rather complicated arrangements
for its retrieval, and she was kind and patient throughout.
Days
later, when I stopped by the theatre to see my pal, another young woman
who was to usher that evening, chatted with me.
Weeks later, when I was in line to pick up tickets for a performance,
a visiting couple was very confused about seating arrangements and took
an inordinate amount of time deciding which tickets to purchase. A line of other eager ticket buyers formed
and grew. Throughout, the
person in the ticket booth was patient and helpful. If this were a cruise ship, I’d gladly sign on for a trip!
But
it’s a very special theatre, a just under 500 seat theatre of plush
adjustable chairs and the “trips” are world wide – since the facility
and its sister Joyce Theater downtown, book dance companies from around
the world.
The theatre was named in honor of the daughter of LuEsther T. Mertz,
whose vision and generosity made it imaginable and ultimately possible
to convert the old Elgin Theatre to the bright and beautiful Joyce. It
is one of the few dance facilities in the country built by dancers for
dancers. It
is also far more than a theatre, it is a foundation dedicated to serving
the dance community. This summer marked the quarter century since the
Joyce Foundation turned a dilapidated, dingy old movie house into the
splendid dance performance facility now known as the Joyce. In honor of its birthday, the Joyce Foundation announced three
programs to thank the dance community: A commissioning initiative, a special $25 ticket price for
all Sunday night performances during the 2007-2008 season, and a series
of national events.
Twenty-five
dance companies will be awarded $25,000 each to help fund the creation
of new work. Stephen Weinroth,
Chair of the Joyce Theater Foundation board of Trustees said “We chose
companies with the deepest histories at the Joyce Theater that have
yet to receive commissioning funds; companies we want to foster deeper
relationships with and companies doing great work that we want to encourage.”
The
area in which the Chelsea Theater nestles was as dilapidated and neglected
as the theater itself twenty five years ago.
But as many residents of the Village moved u into Chelsea, it
changed. While the Salvation
Army Thrift Shop remains nearby, other second hand stores and dumpy
tiny fast food places along with small old grocery stores disappeared,
replaced by upscale restaurants and clothing shops.
Going to the Joyce is a pleasant adventure, even as you approach
or stroll about later. And
the elegance of the theatre and surroundings has had a marvelous trickle
down effect. Most people
“dress for the occasion” when going to the Joyce.
There is a festive feel in the audience, not unlike a cruise
ship launching!
The theatre sports a full range of dance friendly facilities and equipment.
The roughly 60 x 42 foot stage, while it lacks fly space, boasts a basket
weave sprung wood floor, crossover accessibility, has over 500 lighting
instruments, a sound system that can play CD, reel to reel or DAT equipment. Video facilities are also available. While
it has no orchestra pit as such, segments of the front rows are easily
removed to accommodate a live orchestra.
There is nothing a dance company could want that the Joyce does not
offer, from 5 dressing rooms able to accommodate up to 40 dancers, bathrooms
and showers, a green room, and a warm-up studio. The foundation provides
professional programs to companies booked there, offers a marketing
program and can supply technicians for sound, costume, scenery etc.
There’s
nothing a dance aficionado can want, either. You name a dance company, and undoubtedly it has been or is
booked to perform in Manhattan at the Joyce Theatre. It presents not-for-profit
dance companies and has a subsidized rental program. It has presented over 280 companies in its 25-year existence,
and commissioned 80 new dances in the last decade.
Upcoming
this Fall are such diverse entertainments as The Paul Taylor Dance Company,
Martha Graham Dance Company, Pamina Devi, Ballet Du Grand Theatre de
Geneve, James Sewell Ballet, Revolution (which is billed as tap dancing
for the 21st century), Elisa Monte Dance and Garth Fagan
Dance, among others.
The
Joyce Theater Foundation offers a variety of educational opportunities. It works with metropolitan area
K-12th grade schools to create programs that reach over 2,000
students and teachers. It
offers family matinees for 6-14 year olds, and has Dance Talks and other
opportunities as part of their adult education program.
Miss Shelton has achieved her aim of “growing the services offered by The Joyce to dancers and dance companies while maintaining a well run, and managed, nonprofit organization.” |
The
Joyce Theater Marquee Photo: Christopher Little