Since relocating to Yonkers in 2024, MorDance has not only enriched the fabric of the arts and culture scene in Yonkers, but the company has also given its residents the chance to attend and interact with a professional dance company—a first for the city. But it’s not just about the ability to see first-rate performances; MorDance has also provided an accessible way for residents to learn, interact with, and enjoy dance. This is a key part of MorDance’s model: the transformative power of art to inspire change, raise awareness, and build stronger communities.
Immersive Ballet at the Hudson River Museum
On Friday, March 7th, MorDance kept true to its model thanks to a collaboration with the Hudson River Museum. The Museum’s Free First Fridays is an award-winning initiative made possible by the national non-profit Art Bridges Foundation, which allows visitors to explore the museum without the standard entry fee from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on the first Friday of each month.
March’s event was an immersive experience for Women’s History Month by MorDance, as members of the company performed selections from last year’s spring event Echoes of Silence, which honored the artistry of influential female singer-songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s. The performance showcased the power of ballet to start conversations and reflect the world around us, intertwining social commentary and profound human connection and emphasizing the desire for transformation. Visitors were encouraged to not follow the dancers, but instead explore the middle galleries while the dancers moved through the space and performed in different parts of the main gallery, all culminating in a collective performance. The Hudson River Museum transformed into a multi-level stage, with the dancers like living art against the static pieces of art for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
MorDance on the Move
Much like the dancers’ own flexibility in movement, so too has MorDance been able to bend and move their operation to wherever it is feasible to do so, offering more and more opportunities for the Yonkers community to appreciate and learn the art of dance. However, they are now in a situation where they must move permanently. Due to rapidly rising rent, the company is being unexpectedly forced out of its current home on Main Street. They have secured a new space, but essential renovations are needed to make the space fully functional for performances, classes, and community programs—like their recent In Her Hands: Women Driving Change event that spotlighted women leaders in philanthropy, advocacy, business, and the arts, and their upcoming free program for the Senior Community on March 25th.
Support the Arts with a Donation
Corporate sponsors, donors, and individuals can help MorDance achieve its goal and secure permanent residence in Yonkers to continue to provide arts for the community. The Appeal for MorDance isn’t just an investment in the company; it’s an investment in the future of the arts in Yonkers.
