Mexican-American dance artist José Limón was one of the defining figures in modern dance in the 20th century. Known for a rich and complex repertory that explored issues of immigration, race and gender, Limón leveraged dance to unify communities through shared human experience. His pacifist and anti-war masterwork Missa Brevis stands as a testament to the power of dance to heal. In his long career he performed as a star dancer for Doris Humphrey, developed an eponymous dance technique that is still taught today, served in the army during World War II, helped to develop modern dance in Mexico, headed the short-lived American Dance Theatre with Donald McKayle and Anna Sokolow in 1964 and 1965, and was a cultural ambassador for the U.S. via the State Department’s program in the 1950s and 1960s. At the time of his death in 1972 he had choreographed over 74 works including The Moor’s Pavane, Psalm, Danzas Mexicanas, Tonantzintla and The Traitor.

American modern dance artists were among the first to entrust their collections to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division and Limón’s relationship with the Library dates back to the 1940s. As the Limón Dance Company celebrates its 80th year, we now invite applications for the Dance Research Fellowship from dance scholars and practitioners interested in exploring the rich legacy of José Limón. 

We welcome both written and performative responses to research. Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend, dedicated support from a dance librarian as they work in the archive, and an opportunity to present their projects at our annual Dance Symposium in January 2027.The research period is July 1–December 31, 2026.

A complete application consists of three parts: one letter of reference, the application form, a project proposal and an abbreviated CV.  The project proposal is to include a general description or abstract of the research project, its title and format. Applicants should identify specific material(s) to be consulted during the desired dates of the fellowship period.  Successful applications will also include an explanation of how collections existing only at the Jerome Robbins Dance Division are essential to the progress and completion of the research project. 

This opportunity is open to teams who have previously written a musical as part of the Across A Crowded Room series at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. A team of fellows, at least 2 of whom that have previously worked together in the program, will be awarded a total of $15,000 to develop a 90 minute musical either from the 20 minute piece they previously presented, or an entirely new work in some way inspired by the Special Collections of the New York Public Library. In the case of an entirely new work, the collections serving as the inspiration can be located in any Library research center (The Library for the Performing Arts, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building). 

The New York Public Library's Educator Summer Residency is a week-long program that connects teachers with key Library resources to strengthen and support more creative, engaging, and intellectually curious classrooms. Participants will have access to exclusive research materials, curated talks with experts, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Library’s extensive collections, which contain more than 56 million items. This year’s summer residency is exclusively open to high school educators.

Participation includes lunch and lodging for the duration of the one-week residency, round-trip travel to New York City, and a $1,000 program stipend. The residency will be held in-person from July 27–31, 2026, and is supported with funding from the Whiting Foundation.

A complete application consists of the items below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Form

Fill out the application form by 11:59 PM PST on May 10, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Personal Statement

Provide an essay explaining the professional benefits of participating in this program (in 1,000 words or less). Please include information about the following:

1. What interests you about this year’s theme? Why does it resonate with you at this moment in your career?
2. Who do you teach? Describe your school and classroom context, including grade level(s), subject area(s), and the community in which you work.
3. How does this theme relate to your students and school community? Why is it particularly relevant or urgent in your setting?
4. What are the strengths of your current teaching practice, and where are you seeking growth?
5. How do you hope participation in this residency will deepen or transform your work in the classroom?

Resume or CV

Include a resume or curriculum vitae (no longer than five pages). Please make sure your last name is in the file name (ex. “FirstName_LastName_resume.pdf”). 

Teaching Artifact

Provide a photograph, document, or short video of an artifact that represents your creative approach to teaching and reflects the values of this residency program, along with a brief description (200 words maximum). An artifact may include sample student work, a visual aid or primary source, materials from a project-based or interdisciplinary unit, or another example that captures your teaching in action. 

Before you begin to complete an application, please review this web page, which contains information about the areas of study, eligibility criteria, and more. Applications are due by 11:59 PM PST on May 10, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.