Rudolf Nureyev would be pleased to know that a dance foundation established in his name has committed well over $1 million in support of dance programs and dance companies throughout the nation.
'Following Nureyev's death in l993, The Foundation - the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation - was formed in tribute to the great dancer, whose love of the 'new' in dance sprang from a profound faith in ballet's traditional past,' explains the Foundation's President Barry L. Weinstein.
In l997 alone, the Chicago-based Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation, now celebrating its third year on the scene, granted $.5 million to an array of dance institutions. These include: School of American Ballet, Jose Limon Dance Foundation, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet, among others. The Foundation is one of only two in the United States devoted exclusively to the support of dance. The Foundation operates on a budget of $7 million donated by Nureuyev to the foundation prior to his death.
'The Foundation aims to perpetuate Nureyev's name and to advance his vision and contribution to classical dance through financial support of its study, performance and appreciation.
'We can do this in any number of ways,' Weinstein continues.'We may underwrite reproductions of dances identified with Nureyev, such as the $70,000 we awarded to the Dance Theatre of Harlem for its reproduction of 'Moors Pavane'; or the $100,00 we granted the Boston Ballet for its production of 'Le Corsaire' .Interestingly, this lengthy production will mark the first time this dance has been performed by an American company.
'We also give money to companies or schools where Nureyev studied. Since he especially enjoyed the classes he took at the School of American Ballet (SAB) we felt it was appropriate to offer the school a special scholarship: $70,000 to complete a matching endowment for a half million dollar Nureyev Scholarship program.'
The endowed Scholarships are awarded annually to promising young male dancers pursuing advanced training at SAB.
'Nureyev understood the significance of education,' says Weinstein. 'As a dancer and choreographer he worked to nurture the talents of others. These sacholarhsips keep Nureyev's interests and efforts alive.'
Weinstein makes the point that the Foundation is expanding its mission to include underwriting new dance works - choreography and/or productions - that in some intangible way advance Nureyev's esthetic spirit.'We have wide latitude here!'
In the upcoming season the Foundation will become a leading sponsor of the American Ballet theatre and in Feb. the Foundation will help underwite - with a $35,000 grant - the Kirov/Vaganova Project: A Festival of Russian Dance to be presented at the Brooklyn Academ