“ It was extremely helpful , not only for potential dancer connections , but for any space use considerations .”
— Rev . Heidi Neumark , Trinity Lutheran Church
Pivots , Leaps , and New Dance Partners
For the more than 5,000 dancers , 1,200 dance-making entities , and 500 nonprofit dance companies in New Your City , the realities of COVID-19 — and the challenges of finding places to rehearse and perform — seemed impossible . That is , until they became acquainted with an innovative program developed by Partners for Sacred Places in partnership with Dance / NYC , the New York Landmarks Conservancy , and Goldstein Hall . Created in 2019 , NYC Dance in Sacred Places strives to put the surplus space many urban congregations have to new use by leveraging Partners ’ unique tools to create sustainable , mutually beneficial space-sharing relationships between sacred places and dancers . The program serving
Manhattan and Brooklyn helps artists avoid the costs of property ownership while helping churches , synagogues and temples bring new income and new energy to their buildings .
Good for All
Since its inception , NYC Dance in Sacred Places has hosted several in-person and online training sessions and three community engagement events . Two of the events were virtual speed dating exercises to help more dancers and congregations find each other in a fun and relaxed environment . Over the last eighteen months , more than 30 sacred places and 60 dance makers have benefited from the program ’ s training and networking opportunities . These training sessions are more than informational . These learning engagements are helping like-minded congregations and artists find one another and create something meaningful and lasting for the community at large . Before and during the pandemic , the program ’ s success demonstrates an ongoing need many congregations have to utilize their spaces better . Finding beautiful and affordable places to perform and showcase their talents is invaluable for members of the arts community .
Alison Cook Beatty Dance performs at St . Luke ’ s Lutheran Church in Times Square , New York , N . Y . The Fleet for videography and photography
Now , fast forward to late 2020 . It ’ s winter , many of us are bored , and our lives and rituals are still affected by COVID-19 . The long cold months ahead seem drab and dreary , but some warming moments began to emerge . Over four months starting in December of 2020 , Alison Cook Beatty Dance production performed Winter Wonderland , a brilliant and moving five-part series . The choreographed winter-themed dances were filmed in
SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2021 11