iHeartDance NYC is a new dance initiative and company founded by dance activists Melissa Gerstein and Kimberly Giannelli to celebrate and support the dance artists of New York City and beyond through performance opportunities.
Jointly realized during the height of theater closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, through innovation and sheer determination, iHeartDance kicked off its initiative with a 4-performance series on April 18th to welcome artists back into the spotlight, and an intimate audience to safely bring live dance back to the capital of the dance world: New York City. Now having sold out 14 shows and raising over $120,000 for performers, programs feature New York’s biggest dance stars from American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, Tap, Broadway, and more to celebrate artistry, diversity, and resilience—and to bring awareness to the dance community’s commitment to their craft.