Related Features
IMPRESSIONS: Herman Cornejo's "Anima Animal" at The Joyce Theater
IMPRESSIONS: Garth Fagan Dance at The Joyce Theater
POSTCARDS: New York City Dance Alliance Foundation Presents "Destiny Rising" at The Joyce Theater
Do Your Part to Support Young Dancers on March 17, 2025
WHAT: Be part of a night where passion meets purpose. Destiny Rising is more than a performance — it’s a celebration of talent, opportunity, and the future of dance. Your ticket directly supports the next generation of NYCDA Foundation scholars, helping young artists pursue their dreams.
WHERE: The Joyce Theater, New York, NY
WHEN: Monday, March 17, 2025
TICKETS: Click here
For young dancers, talent alone isn’t always enough — it takes opportunity, guidance, and financial support to turn dreams into reality. Founded by Joe Lanteri, the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation is committed to making those dreams possible. With over $5 million in college scholarships awarded to high school juniors and seniors across the country, the Foundation provides dancers with the resources they need to train at top institutions and launch professional careers.
On March 17, Destiny Rising at The Joyce Theater brings this mission to life, celebrating every stage of a dancer’s journey — from students refining their craft, to scholarship recipients pursuing their dreams, to world-class professionals at the peak of their careers. Featuring performances from Ailey II, American Ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, students from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Parsons Dance, and a special world premiere with nearly 40 NYCDAF scholars, it’s an evening that showcases the power of dance and the lasting impact of education.
Three dancers preparing to take the stage at Destiny Rising know firsthand what the NYCDA Foundation makes possible. As scholarship recipients, they’ve experienced the doors this support can open — giving them access to top-tier training, higher education, and a community that believes in them.
Now, they step into the spotlight not just to celebrate their own journeys, but to pay it forward — dancing to raise funds for the next generation of NYCDA Foundation scholars!
Brett Rule:
I am currently in rehearsals for NYCDA’s Destiny Rising at The Joyce Theater, and I could not be more excited!
Destiny Rising is a beloved tradition that NYCDA kids aspire to be a part of for years. The show truly encapsulates all that NYCDA is. We have the opportunity to perform alongside and watch alumni thrive with world-renowned companies. It is a testament to the training and real-world connections NYCDA provides its dancers with. This performance is extra special for me, because I get to share the stage with my sister. Like me, she has grown up in NYCDA ballrooms and participated in every opportunity we have been given through the convention. I was fortunate to be awarded Foundation money to further my dance training and education at Pace Commercial Dance. Training at Pace has been life-changing for me, and none of it would be possible without NYCDA. I am able to take advantage of every opportunity my school and NYC have to offer, and I could not be more grateful.
Performing at The Joyce as someone who now lives in New York feels really special to me. This theater has so much iconic dance history, and I am honored to share the stage with my sister and the many talented NYCDA dancers. I cannot thank Joe Lanteri and NYCDA enough for this opportunity.
Samontae Brown-Bress:
My name is Samontae Brown-Bess, and I am a dancer from Baltimore, Maryland. I began my dance training three years ago at E-Street Dance Academy under the mentorship of Amy Ferrigno and Lauren Carnesi-Daniels. This fall, I will attend the University of Arizona on scholarship to pursue a BFA in Dance. From there, I plan to share my artistry and see where the journey takes me.
With a heart full of gratitude and excitement, I’m getting ready to take the stage for New York City Dance Alliance Foundation’s Destiny Rising. As I prepare — both at home and in the studio — I can’t help but reflect on everything that’s led me here. NYCDA has been so much more than just another competition or convention. It’s been a place where I never felt like I had to shrink myself to succeed, a space that celebrates individuality and encourages authenticity. It has shaped me in ways I can’t fully put into words, and I carry those lessons with me every step of the way.
Getting to share the stage with the other NYCDA scholarship recipients is an incredible honor. To be surrounded by such passionate, hardworking, and inspiring humans — each with their own journey and love for dance—feels both humbling and electric. For one night, we come together to create something special, something bigger than ourselves. As we step into this performance, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude — not just for the opportunity to dance, but for the community, the artistry, and the love we all share for this art form. Destiny Rising isn’t just a show; it’s a celebration of passion, hard work, and this incredible art form that we all cherish so dearly. I can’t wait to step onto that stage, take it all in, and share this moment with all of you.
Phoenix Sutch:
Performing at Destiny Rising is an honor, and I couldn’t be more excited to take the stage at The Joyce Theater alongside such incredible dancers.
Last July, I was awarded $168,000 in college scholarships through NYCDA’s College Scholarship Foundation audition, including a $100,000 scholarship from Pace University, which has given me the incredible opportunity to attend my dream school this fall. Words can’t express how grateful I am for this support.
My journey with NYCDA started when I was just four years old. From day one, I was surrounded by working professionals who pushed me to be my best. In the words of Joe Lanteri, I learned early on: “Stay humble, be kind, and do the work.” Those lessons have stayed with me ever since.
I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today without the instruction, encouragement, and guidance of Joe and the entire NYCDA faculty. Being part of Destiny Rising is a full-circle moment — one that allows me to celebrate the extraordinary work of the NYCDA Foundation and everything it has done for young dancers like me.
