The Ann Reinking Scholarship Program was established in the Winter of 2021 by Off The Lane following the death of the iconic Broadway, film and television performer in 2020 at the age of 71. This $5,000 grant was created in honor of Reinking to provide financial assistance for dedicated young dancers with dreams of having a career in New York City. Applications are open now through June 30, 2021 via the program’s website. Applicants must be between 18 and 22 years of age.
Born in Seattle, Ann Reinking was an American actress, dancer, and choreographer. She worked extensively in musical theater, starring in Broadway productions such as Coco (1969), Over Here! (1974), Goodtime Charley (1975), Chicago (1977), Dancin’ (1978), and Sweet Charity (1986). Reinking appeared in Bob Fosse’s semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz as Katie Jagger, a role loosely based on her own life and relationship with Fosse. She also appeared in two other feature films, as Grace Farrell in Annie (1982) and as Micki Salinger in Micki & Maude (1984).
Ann Reinking – Photo by Martha Swope ©NYPL courtesy of Off The Lane
Reinking won the Tony Award for Best Choreography for her work in the 1996 revival of Chicago, which she choreographed while reprising the role of Roxie Hart. She won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for the 2000 West End production of Fosse.
The Advisory Board for the Ann Reinking Scholarship Program includes the following revered artists: Hinton Battle, Gregory Butler, Gary Chryst, Caitlin Carter, Mindy Cooper, Dylis Croman, Charlotte d’Amboise, Liz Foldi, Joel Grey, Marilu Henner, Bonnie Oda Homsey, Bebe Neuwirth, Chita Rivera, Chris Reinking Stuart, Peter Talbert, Melissa Thodos, Tommy Tune, and William Whitener.
Information provided for applicants:
The Ann Reinking Scholarship will be awarded annually to a young dancer moving to NYC to help support them in their artistic endeavors. Our mission is to help set this young artist up for success by providing monetary support, mentorship, and a community and home base to help lay the foundation and framework for this budding artist’s career.”
Over the course of the (1) Year Term, which will commence in mid-October, they will have access to a variety of tools and resources including:
- Pairing with a Mentor for curated sessions for their first (3) months in the city
- Industry connections, as selected by the Ann Reinking Advisory Board
- Access to Off The Lane’s Community Resource Guide
- Off The Lane’s Partnership Discounts
- Community Networking Events
This year’s recipient will be announced at the Empower Artists Fundraiser on Monday, November 8th!
For more information, please visit their website by clicking HERE. You are encouraged to share this information with any young artists between the ages of 18 and 22 who might benefit from this program.
Apply for the Ann Reinking Scholarship
To visit Off The Lane website, click HERE.
By Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Ann Reinking – Photos by Martha Swope ©NYPL courtesy of Off The Lane
