A massive and handsome structure located on NYC's East Side at Lexington and 92nd Street, the 92nd St. YMHA (Young Men's Hebrew Association) is home to the Harkness Dance Center, "Where Dance History Is Made."

Established in 1929, the Y also houses a magnificent theatre, a residence, a state-of-the-art sports facility and a library. The programs catalogue lists myriad classes for children, young people and adults in such disciplines as pottery, poetry, music, painting, and of course, dance. There are lecture and music series, and a revitalized dance series.

Joan Finkelstein, Director of the Dance Center since 1991, has worked tirelessly to recapture the spirit of the early years when such luminaries as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Eric Hawkins, Pearl Lang, Paul Draper and scores of others congregated, choreographed and created a brave new age of dance in America.

Once again, the Y is encouraging emerging artists by offering space grants and by presenting previews of new or reconstructed works in the Sundays@Three series, as well as informal dance performances by new choreographers followed by open discussions with audience members in the Fridays@Noon series. Visit the Y at www.92ndsty.org and keep abreast of all that's going on there, including workshops with contemporary masters.

I was privileged to be on the ballet faculty at the Y for four years until my schedule became too full to allow for the trek across town. Believe me, it's a dance place like no other. Don't miss it when you're in town, particularly if you're a modern dancer!

February, 2005 Update...
The Y has a new director and a new performance series, "92 on 42," at the Duke Theater on 42nd Street and Broadway. Visit my column called "Update on Dance in NYC, March 2004-March 2005" for more information.