Jose Limon Dance Foundation

- 466 W 152nd St #2, New York, NY 10031

In the global dance capital of New York City, few institutions carry the historical weight and artistic significance of the Jose Limon Dance Foundation. Founded to perpetuate the enduring legacy of modern dance pioneer Jose Limon, the foundation is a dual-purpose organization that supports both the internationally acclaimed Limon Dance Company and the Limon Institute, an educational and archival resource center. This unique structure ensures that Limon's humanistic approach to movement and theater continues to thrive through performance, creation, preservation, and education. It is a living tribute to a man whose innovative works, created in collaboration with mentors Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, revolutionized the American dance landscape and whose company was the first to successfully survive the death of its founder. For New Yorkers passionate about dance, history, and the power of human expression, the Jose Limon Dance Foundation represents a vital and continuous source of inspiration.

The foundation's commitment to excellence and its rich history are evident in the experiences of its audiences and students. The Limon Dance Company, hailed as one of the world's greatest, is renowned for its dancers' dramatic expression, technical mastery, and expansive, yet nuanced movement. A review from a recent performance perfectly captures this, stating, "Amazing Dance Company!! They move with such strength and fluidity. I recently saw their performance with Limon 2 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Their reconstruction of Missa Brevis and Migrant Mother were absolutely incredible!!" This enthusiastic feedback highlights the timeless quality of Limon's work and the company's ability to bring it to life with arresting visual clarity and theatricality. By supporting both a touring company and an educational institute, the foundation ensures that the legacy of Jose Limon is not only preserved but also actively taught and extended to a new generation of dancers and enthusiasts in New York City and beyond.

The Jose Limon Dance Foundation is located at 466 W 152nd St #2, New York, NY 10031, USA. This address places the foundation in the vibrant West Harlem / Hamilton Heights / Sugar Hill area, a neighborhood with a rich cultural history. For the convenience of all visitors and students, the location offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, reflecting the foundation's commitment to inclusivity. The specific building is home to the foundation’s educational and administrative resources, though the professional training programs and classes may take place at various other venues in Manhattan or even Queens, offering students a broader experience of New York’s diverse dance community. Its proximity to public transportation makes it a practical destination for residents from all five boroughs.

The Jose Limon Dance Foundation offers a robust and multi-faceted suite of programs, primarily through its Limon Institute and the Limon Dance Company. These services are designed to cater to both professional dancers and the broader community.

• Professional Training Programs: The Limon Institute offers a Professional Training Program for pre-professional and professional dancers, providing an immersive experience in the Limon approach. These programs include two modules, LimnPro and LimnLaunch, which are designed to support the artistic development and career enhancement of dancers through technique classes, repertory, research, and performance opportunities.

• Limon4Kids: An arts education program that introduces the Limon-Humphrey technique and philosophy to Pre-K through 12th-grade students, particularly in NYC schools in largely Hispanic neighborhoods. The program uses dance as a tool to teach history, community, and social issues, inspiring young people by connecting them to Jose Limon's personal story as a Mexican-American immigrant.

• Open Classes and Workshops: The foundation provides open classes and workshops throughout the year, making the Limon technique accessible to dancers of all levels. These classes are a great way for individuals to learn from master teachers and experience the unique qualities of the Limon style.

• The Limon Dance Company: As the country's first modern dance repertory company, the Limon Dance Company offers public performances and tours worldwide. Their repertoire includes classic works by Limon and his contemporaries, as well as new commissions from cutting-edge choreographers, offering a wide array of dance experiences to audiences.

• Archival and Educational Resources: The Limon Institute serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students, preserving the legacy of Limon's work through its archival library and documentation efforts. This ensures the ongoing vitality and study of one of modern dance's most important techniques.

• Private Coaching and Master Classes: The foundation's artists offer private coaching and master classes to schools and companies, helping to share the Limon technique with the next generation of dancers globally.

Several key features and highlights distinguish the Jose Limon Dance Foundation as a world-class institution in New York's dance scene.

• A Living Legacy: The foundation is unique in its dual mission of preserving the past while actively creating the future of modern dance. By supporting both a world-renowned dance company and an educational institute, it ensures that Limon's work remains not just in history books but is a living, breathing art form performed and taught today.

• Artistic Excellence: The Limon Dance Company is a testament to the highest standards of American modern dance. The dancers' strength, fluidity, and dramatic expression have earned them critical acclaim and a reputation for being one of the best in the world. Seeing their performance is an incredible experience for any dance lover.

• Humanistic and Expressive Approach: Limon technique emphasizes the natural rhythms of fall and recovery and the interplay between weight and weightlessness. It is an organic approach to movement that allows dancers to convey complex emotions and human drama, making the art form deeply relatable and emotionally compelling.

• Community and Educational Outreach: The Limon4Kids program is a significant highlight, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to making dance education accessible and impactful for young people. By integrating Jose Limon's story as a Mexican-American immigrant, they provide a powerful tool for students to explore their own heritage and identity.

• Honored Institution: The foundation's receipt of the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor for artistic excellence in the United States, is a clear indication of its profound and lasting influence on American culture.

• Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible entrance is a key feature that underscores the foundation’s mission to be inclusive and welcoming to a diverse range of people.

For more information about the Jose Limon Dance Foundation or its programs, you can reach out using the contact information provided below.

Address: 466 W 152nd St #2, New York, NY 10031, USA

Phone: (212) 777-3353

Mobile Phone: +1 212-777-3353

Choosing the Jose Limon Dance Foundation for dance education or performance viewing is an unparalleled experience for anyone in New York. The foundation provides a unique opportunity to connect with one of the most significant legacies in modern dance. Its commitment to artistic quality is evident in every performance, with dancers who are both technically brilliant and emotionally expressive. But what truly makes it worth choosing is its dedication to education and community. By supporting the foundation, you are not just enjoying a performance or taking a class; you are contributing to a living legacy that continues to inspire and shape the future of dance.

For aspiring dancers, the Limon Institute offers a structured and comprehensive training program that is highly respected in the professional world. For families, the Limon4Kids program provides an enriching and culturally relevant introduction to dance. Whether you are a scholar, a professional dancer, a student, or simply an audience member, the Jose Limon Dance Foundation offers a valuable and enriching experience that is deeply rooted in the history of American dance while remaining profoundly relevant today. It is a true cultural treasure in the heart of New York City, and a must-visit for anyone who values the power of art to express the human spirit.

Jose Limon Dance Foundation

466 W 152nd St #2, New York, NY 10031, USA