In 2025, Lynne and Richard Pasculano made the largest single programming gift in Lincoln Center's history, a commitment to advance and support contemporary dance, at Lincoln Center and beyond. Their visionary leadership investment catalyzed this new work, embodying collaboration in its truest form.

Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance Director Donald Borror shares what that means, and where we're headed.

Donald Borror, photo by Alfonso Victoria

Why is this gift so transformative for contemporary dance at Lincoln Center?

Establishing the Pasculano Collaborative means contemporary dance finally has a consistent home at Lincoln Center — not just a moment on the calendar, but programming that can grow and evolve here, year over year. That's what sustained support makes possible: thinking of our work as a way to help strengthen the whole ecosystem around it here in New York and beyond.

Contemporary dance has a long history at Lincoln Center — what makes this moment different?

In 1964, just two years after Lincoln Center opened, contemporary dance was written into the foundational plans with the creation of a resident contemporary dance company. Named American Dance Theatre, the company was founded and co-led by the historic trio of José Limón as artistic director, Donald McKayle, and Anna Sokolow. I love to imagine the vibrant conversations they must have had over dinner!

The company lost momentum after two seasons, but at its heart was something powerful and enduring: a collaboration of artistic voices with a shared mission to champion the most innovative dances of their time.

The launch of the Pasculano Collaborative marks both a continuation of this work and a new beginning. Now we have the support to build a full ecosystem: consistent programming and annual festivals, commissions that expand the boundaries of contemporary dance, and a real investment in the artists who wi'll define what the field looks like next.

What was the thinking behind the biannual festival structure?

At the core of all our programming is an ongoing exploration of a central question: What is contemporary dance? Twice a year, the Contemporary Dance Festival gives us a different snapshot of what asking that question looks like — different voices, forms, identities, and ideas. In summer, we celebrate the international artists making waves across the globe; in winter, we bring the programming closer to home, spotlighting US companies and performers. And then it’s the series and performances that happen alongside and between the festivals that really help us create the broadest snapshot of contemporary dance possible.

What do you want people to walk away understanding about contemporary dance after experiencing a performance here?

I believe dance is one of the most primal, universal, and accessible forms of art. Every person’s experience watching it is valid, whether it’s your first or hundredth show. If you tap your foot, or feel a color, or see a story—that’s it, you “got it.” You’ve changed somehow. I hope folks walk away feeling like you can always return to contemporary dance when you need to renew your sense of awe and expand your idea of what it means to be human.

What's next for the Collaborative?

More! More commissions, more educational work, and more surprises. We're still early and doing lots of listening. Together, we move — that's not just a line, it's how we're building this.