The Martha Graham Dance Company: A Centennial Celebration and a New Chapter
A Historic Milestone and a Bright Future
The Martha Graham Dance Company, one of New York’s most prestigious dance troupes, is gearing up to celebrate a monumental milestone—its 100th anniversary. To mark this occasion, the company has announced an exciting new chapter: the relocation to a state-of-the-art headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. This move represents not just a physical shift but a symbolic leap forward for an institution that has been a cornerstone of modern dance since its inception.
The new space, spanning 30,000 square feet, is more than double the size of the company’s current West Village offices. Located on the 11th floor of the iconic Paramount Building on Broadway at 43rd Street, the headquarters will feature six brand-new dance studios, expanded educational facilities, and a cutting-edge environment designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. For a company that has been a driving force in the world of dance, this new home promises to be a game-changer.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunity
The announcement of this new headquarters comes at a time when the performing arts sector is still navigating the challenges of the pandemic. Financial uncertainty has loomed large, and many organizations have struggled to stay afloat. Yet, for the Martha Graham Dance Company, this move signals a strong message of resilience and hope.
LaRue Allen, the company’s executive director, expressed her excitement about the new space, calling it a “triumph” and a “real game-changer.” She acknowledged the financial pressures that many arts organizations face but emphasized that this step forward is a testament to the enduring importance of dance in New York City. “We’re all under siege a little bit,” she said, “but to be able to take this step feels like the dance world has a good toehold in the city.”
The new headquarters is made possible through a leasehold agreement with Paramount Leasehold, a real estate firm. Under this arrangement, the Martha Graham Dance Company will effectively own the space for 30 years, with a significant portion of the renovation costs covered by Paramount Leasehold. The company will invest $6 million into transforming the space, while Paramount Leasehold will contribute $2 million. Additionally, the leasehold agreement allows both parties to benefit from property tax exemptions, further stabilizing the company’s financial footing.
A New Era for Dance Education and Collaboration
The move to Midtown Manhattan is not just about expanding physical space; it’s about expanding opportunities. The Martha Graham Dance Company has long been a leader in dance education, and the new headquarters will enable the organization to significantly grow its educational programs. Currently, the company operates out of cramped studios in the West Village, where it has been based since 2012. The new space will provide a much-needed upgrade, offering students and dancers alike a world-class environment to train, create, and perform.
LaRue Allen highlighted the need for better facilities, stating that the current setup is “crammed, to say the least.” The new studios will not only enhance the learning experience for the company’s students but also allow for greater collaboration with other artists and organizations. In a gesture of support for the broader dance community, the company plans to rent out studio space at discounted rates to other performing arts groups. “It will be a home for us,” Allen said, “and for others as well.”
A Strategic Advantage in a Competitive Real Estate Market
Securing such a significant space in one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets is no small feat. New York City’s sky-high property prices have long posed a challenge for arts organizations, with only a handful of dance companies able to afford substantial real estate. The Martha Graham Dance Company joins an elite group that includes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Mark Morris Dance Group, and Dance Theater of Harlem.
The company’s ability to secure this prime location is also a result of the post-pandemic commercial real estate slump, which has created opportunities for arts organizations to find affordable spaces in desirable locations. The Paul Taylor Dance Company, for example, recently relocated to a Midtown office tower under a similar leasehold arrangement. For the Martha Graham Dance Company, this strategic move ensures that it will remain a vital part of New York’s cultural landscape for years to come.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion
The Martha Graham Dance Company has been on a three-year search for the perfect new home, and the Paramount Building offers the ideal combination of space, location, and potential. The company’s current West Village headquarters, located in the Westbeth Artists Housing complex, has served as its base since 2012, when it took over the studios of the late Merce Cunningham. However, the limitations of the space have become increasingly apparent, and the need for expansion has grown urgent.
With its new headquarters, the Martha Graham Dance Company is poised to write the next chapter in its storied history. The expanded facilities will enable the organization to deepen its commitment to dance education, foster collaboration within the arts community, and continue its legacy of innovation. As the company prepares to celebrate its centenary, this move is a powerful reminder of its enduring influence and its vision for the future.
In a city that is constantly evolving, the Martha Graham Dance Company’s new home stands as a testament to the enduring power of dance and the arts. It is not just a physical space but a symbol of resilience, creativity, and community—a fitting celebration of a century of
