NEW YORK CITY: Off The Lane, an organization founded by artists interested in developing programs that empower artists and creatives, has announced the formation of the Ann Reinking Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a young dancer moving to New York City to support them in their artistic endeavors, will be presented for the first time this coming November in conjunction with the birthday of the late dancer, choreographer, teacher, and actress Ann Reinking.

“I believe Annie would have loved having her name on the Ann Reinking Scholarship Program,” said Reinking’s husband, Peter Talbert, in a statement. “Like so many young dancers coming to New York, she struggled to find a foothold in a strange city. Short of money and friends, Annie persevered and found her way forward, thanks to some helping hands. This program will offer others following in her footsteps that helping hand, to ensure that they can succeed in their desire to make their dream come true. That’s a legacy worthy of her name and reputation.”

The scholarship is indeed inspired by Reinking’s own story of moving from Seattle to New York. The scholarship will not only support the dancer monetarily, but will create a community, home base, and network of people in the industry. The goal of the scholarship is to carry on the legacy of Reinking’s humanity, love, and artistry as a dancer, choreographer, and collaborator. The award is open to all young dancers with submissions opening this May.

The scholarship will have an advisory board consisting of Hinton Battle, Gregory Butler, Gary Chryst, Mindy Cooper, Dylis Croman, Charlotte d’Amboise, Erzebet-Liz Foldi, Joel Grey, Marilu Henner, Bebe Neuwirth, Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, William Whitener, Peter Talbert, and Chris Reinking Stuart.

More information on the scholarship is available on Off The Lane’s website.