Joe Lanteri of NYCDAF Receives Award for 22M Donation to Aspiring Teen Dancers

On September 26, 2016, Joe Lanteri, founder and Executive Director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation (NYCDAF), was recognized, along with philanthropists Barbara and Donald Tober, for their Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance. Career Transition For Dancers, a program of the Actors Fund, hosted their 31st Anniversary Jubilee at the New York Marriott Marquis.

A public charity committed to broadening performing arts awareness while advocating education and high standards of excellence in dance, NYCDAF has provided over $22,000,000 in college scholarships to more than 350 teenagers since it's inception in 2010. Through the development and mentorship of young dancers, foundation scholarship recipients have attended 36 prestigious arts programs across the country to continue their training and education. Additionally, to further facilitate the support of young hopefuls, NYCDAF has cultivated a growing list of seven college partners that recruit dancers and award admission to their prestigious programs.

"I am a big believer in community," remarked Lanteri in accepting his award at the Jubilee. "What we build, nurture and invest in our young talent today leads to a broad array of success for these dancers. And the contributions these artists will make towards our community now and later becomes a cultural investment for the next generation."

Andy Blankenbuehler, who presented the award to Lanteri, remarked, "It is a honor to present Joe with this award as I've experienced firsthand his impact on dance education. His class at Steps was a go-to for me when I arrived to NYC, and I currently have seven dancers in the Hamilton and Cats casts who I met through NYCDA's programs. His contribution to the world of dance goes beyond financial support and scholarships to a dedicated mentor and second parent for many of the youth in his programs."

The mission of NYCDAF is a nationwide effort. With the enthusiastic grass roots support from the more than 200 local dance studios across the United States that participate in fundraising programs, the foundation also greatly benefits from the generosity of industry leaders: Dance Magazine, Capezio and The Henry Bull Foundation (Astaire), in addition to corporate sponsors Lime Sportswear, M & I Dancewear, Weissman's Dance Solutions and New York City Pocket Guide.

Early spring 2017, NYCDAF will present a fundraising performance at The Joyce Theater featuring an evening of dance artistry by outstanding NYCDA alumni, the choreography of NYCDA faculty and special guest performances from prominent professional dance companies. All proceeds will benefit the NYCDAF College Scholarship Program.

Founded in 2010 by Joe Lanteri and New York City Dance Alliance, The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) public charity, committed to broadening performing arts awareness while advocating education and high standards of excellence in dance. NYCDAF is dedicated to investing in the next generation of professional performers by offering scholarships for secondary and college education.

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone-performers and those behind the scenes-who works in performing arts and entertainment. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund's programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition.

Career Transition For Dancers is now a program of The Actors Fund, and services for dancers and the dance community include career planning and transition; health, wellness and support for injured dancers; as well as emergency financial assistance and scholarships.

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