What is LIFT?

New York Theatre Ballet offers several pioneering outreach services in its LIFT Community Service Program.

The LIFT Study Program (commonly known as Project LIFT) is the centerpiece effort. It began in 1989 with a pilot workshop at the Vineyard Theatre in Lower Manhattan. Since then, LIFT has provided scholarships for year-round study at NYTB for children from the shelters of New York City.

Every year, between September and June, LIFT enrolls some 30 children in a regular syllabus of 1-5 classes a week for up to 39 weeks of continuous study. Summer school adds one more month of classes for those able to participate. In addition to scholarships, LIFT provides books, gifts, mentoring, tutoring, performances, clothing and dance attire, touring opportunities, and other help vital for productive learning.

See Diana's thoughts on the LIFT Community Service Program.