Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre will mark its 26th season with Rooted & Rising, an intimate gala celebration set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., with a VIP reception beginning at 6 p.m., at Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio in Lower Manhattan.
The evening will feature performances by Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, including excerpts from the company’s developing new work, Exposed, along with performances by students from Lower Manhattan Community School through the organization’s Notes in Motion education partnership. Guests will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music and a dance party, creating a festive atmosphere that highlights the power of dance to inspire connection and transformation.
This year’s gala will honor three education leaders for their commitment to arts access and youth development: Celeste Terry, superintendent of Brooklyn’s District 18; Deaveida Daniel, deputy superintendent of District 18; and Stephanie Seaton, principal of District 13 Pre-K Center in Brooklyn. The awards presentation will be followed by a live auction benefiting the company’s performance and education initiatives.
The featured work Exposed explores the relentless human drive to rise—physically, emotionally and spiritually—while examining the vulnerability and courage required to overcome obstacles. Through athletic and expressive movement, dancers journey from constraint to liberation, reflecting themes of growth and resilience that echo the gala’s Rooted & Rising theme.
Founded in 2000, Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre creates dynamic dance theater that blends physicality with emotional storytelling. Its companion education program, Notes in Motion, delivers inclusive dance instruction across New York City, offering styles ranging from ballet and modern to hip hop and Latin dance. In recent years, the program has expanded significantly, now reaching more than 21,000 students annually through in-school, after-school and community-based initiatives, with a special focus on underserved communities.
Artistic Director and choreographer Amanda Selwyn has led more than 130 productions over the company’s 26 seasons and built a wide-reaching network of artists, educators and community partners. Her work has been presented at major festivals and venues nationwide, and she continues to champion dance as a tool for self-expression, leadership and social connection.
Tickets for Rooted & Rising: 26th Season Gala start at $125. The event will take place at Amanda Selwyn Dance Studio, 412 Broadway, second floor, in Manhattan.
••••• Message Center••••
Follow us on social media: Facebook • Instagram • Threads • X • Bluesky • Tiktok • Reddit
Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats