Dance New Amsterdam is in trouble, and you can help…
They may be evicted as soon as July 14th unless they can have more time to work through some old rental issues that are clouding the new management’s ability to keep the organization alive so that they can continue to bring dance to the community.
From a press statement, sent out July 6th:
“There are questions regarding the legality of public policy issues connected to the lease that need to be addressed and corrected. We and our advocates have worked tirelessly over the past two years requesting re-negotiation of the original untenable lease agreements, including requesting DNA receive non-profit tax abatement under real estate property law 420a. After various appeals to landlord Fram Realty, building owner Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), there has been no consensus for resolution. As a result, Fram Realty is taking us to landlord tenant court on July 14, 2010, suing for possession of premises for rent arrears of over half a million dollars.
We are seeking a solution enabling us to maintain our mission to teach dancers to dance, commission choreographers to create, and present dance performances to the public. We’ve requested lower rent to match current market rates and non-profit tax abatement. Unless there is immediate consensus between DNA, city agencies and Fram Realty, our legal teams will have to proceed accordingly.”
Catherine Peila, Executive Director of DNA says, “NYC is the Mecca for dance. DNA is a key player in training and presenting a diverse range of not only American but international contemporary dance artists in New York. In our 26 years, some of the world’s greatest dancers have come through our doors and they continue to come. We therefore have a responsibility to the community to stand strong and ensure DNA remains an active viable dance organization. We must remember once lost, the dance community will never regain access to a dance space like DNA. By showing your support we can demonstrate the positive impact of DNA on the community; the city must be made aware.”
If you have a moment to lend your voice to help support Dance New Amsterdam, click on the banner above and add your name to the petition. I’ve already added mine…
Thank you for adding your voice to the chorus asking for support for DNA, where I am on the Faculty and am a Board member. We are grateful that the “dance family” is in the fray with us. Many thanks… and don’t forget to sign our statement of support on our website!
It’s my pleasure Martha! The “dance family” really should stick together! I have already signed the statement. All the best to you!