Diverse Dance Companies Get a Lift From a New Partner: MacKenzie Scott
The philanthropist gave millions to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispánico, Dance Theater of Harlem and Urban Bush Women in her latest round of gifts.
Anthony Santos lifts Amanda Smith during a 2020 rehearsal at Dance Theater of Harlem. The company received a $10 million gift the biggest in its 52-year history.Credit.Mark Elzey Jr for The New York Times
By Laura Zornosa
June 27, 2021, 5:00 a.m. ET
When the pandemic hit, forcing Dance Theater of Harlem to cancel performances and suspend classes, the company, like many arts organizations, was devastated. It had no safety net: with only very modest financial reserves, it was able to make it through with help from the federal Paycheck Protection Program and the Ford Foundation.
Barely half over, the month of June is already shaping up to be a record-setting month for higher education philanthropy. Here are four of the major university gifts announced in the past two weeks.