Gaze upon a building that once screened movies. Now, it showcases dance. This is the Joyce Theater. Since 1982, the Joyce Theater has been a premier dance venue in New York City.
The Joyce is located in Chelsea, Manhattan. It stands at 175 Eighth Avenue. The building has a distinctive Art Moderne style.
The Joyce Theater supports dance. It hosts over 400 domestic and international companies. The theater’s program includes a spectrum of dance styles. These styles range from time-honored traditions to the untried.
Before the Joyce, the building was the Elgin Theater. The Elgin opened as a cinema in 1941. The Elgin became known for midnight movies in 1970. Manager Ben Barenholtz started this trend. He showed Alejandro Jodorowsky’s film “El Topo”. It played to sold-out crowds for six months. John Lennon even persuaded the Beatles’ manager to buy the film’s rights.
Barenholtz also distributed films. He turned the Elgin into a breeding ground for independent film. David Lynch, John Sayles, and the Coen Brothers debuted here.
The building was renovated in 1981-82. Architect Hugh Hardy led the renovation. He preserved the patterned brick facade. The interior was gutted. A 472-seat theater was created. It was designed for small and medium-sized dance companies.
LuEsther T. Mertz provided leadership support. The theater was named after her daughter, Joyce, in appreciation.
The Joyce Theater Foundation supports dance artists. The Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Fund for New Work commissions new pieces.
The Joyce’s mission is to serve and support dance. It promotes the art form’s richness. The Joyce also advances public interest in dance. It embraces all movement styles. The theater is committed to diversity and inclusion.
The Joyce has expanded beyond its Chelsea home. It presents off-site performances. These performances take place at Lincoln Center. They also occur in Brooklyn. Some are even outdoors in Hudson River Park.
The Joyce continues to honor New Yorkers’ appreciation of art. It is a classic New York institution. It is ideal for those who enjoy performance intimacy. The Joyce embraces the entire spectrum of movement.
In 1996, the Joyce purchased Joyce SoHo. It was once a firehouse. It became a smaller theater with rehearsal studios. The Joyce sold Joyce SoHo in 2012. From 2009 to 2016, the Joyce also operated DANY Studios. It was a rehearsal studio in the Garment District.
The Joyce has presented many famous companies. These include Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Others include the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
The Joyce is more than just a theater. It’s a testament to New York’s love for dance. Its history as a movie house adds to its unique charm. The Joyce continues to inspire and support dance. It enriches the cultural landscape of New York City.