What José Limón Dance Foundation does

The José Limón Dance Foundation is a 1946-founded nonprofit that preserves, performs, and transmits the choreographic legacy of Mexican-American modern dance pioneer José Limón. It operates the Limón Dance Company, a professional touring ensemble performing across US venues including the Joyce Theater, Northrop, and Texas Performing Arts, and stewards a canon of 74 choreographic works. The foundation controls licensing rights to the canon and monetizes the IP through restagings and reproductions by other companies and educational institutions.

Its educational arm serves a wide audience spectrum: Limón4Kids reaches approximately 5,000 students annually through free school-based programming, while professional intensives, certificate programs, and workshops for educators and pre-professional dancers are priced at $3,500-$9,000 per dancer. The faculty is an endorsed roster of 30+ teaching artists with direct artistic lineage to Limón and former artistic director Carla Maxwell. A new second company, Limón2, is being launched to develop young professional dancers, and the foundation is commissioning high-prestige new works such as Akram Khan's Moor's Pavane (2027).

Revenue is generated through six principal streams: tuition, individual donations, foundation and government grants, touring ticket sales, licensing fees for the choreographic canon, and merchandise. Contributed income funds roughly half of the operating budget, and scholarships exceeding $100,000 are awarded annually alongside an Innovation Fund distributing $10,000-$75,000 per project. Management is externalized through a partnership with Sozo Artists, and institutional memberships span Dance/USA, Dance/NYC, APAP, and NASD.

Name

José Limón Dance Foundation

Legal name

José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://limon.nyc

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The José Limón Dance Foundation is a 1946 nonprofit that preserves and performs the choreographic legacy of José Limón via a touring company, a 74-work canon, professional training, and K-12 outreach programs serving students, dancers, and presenting venues.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts (Modern Dance Company & Dance Education)

NAICS

Dance Companies (71112), Dance Companies (711120)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth/Student & Community Dance Recitals (MPAGADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH), Dance Performances (THAJAFAD)

Keywords

• Modern dance company
• Dance education programs
• Professional dance training
• Choreographic licensing
• Arts nonprofit programming

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Training Program Tuition: Revenue from LimónPro, LimónLaunch, and certificate programs. Tuition ranges from $3,500-$9,000 depending on term length and registration timing. Payment plans available.
2. Performance Tickets: Ticket sales for NYC seasons at Joyce Theater and touring performances including venues in Rockport MA, Seattle WA, Salt Lake City UT, Minneapolis MN, Boston MA, Austin TX.
3. Licensing Royalties: Licensing fees for professional companies and educational institutions to perform Limón's choreographic works. Professional companies contact [email protected]; universities contact [email protected].
4. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, socks, and beanies through the organization's online shop.
5. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals through the Limón Circles membership program, Legacy/Honorarium/Memorial giving, and general annual giving.
6. Corporate Sponsorship & Innovation Fund: Major donor and sponsorship program (Innovation Fund) focused on multi-year gifts ranging from $10,000-$75,000 annually with three-year commitments. Corporate membership benefits for sponsors.
7. Foundation & Government Grants: Public funding from New York State Council on the Arts and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. Additional support from foundations including Howard Gilman Foundation, Shubert Foundation, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The José Limón Dance Foundation operates the Limón Dance Company, a touring repertory ensemble performing 74 preserved works by José Limón alongside new commissions from contemporary choreographers, and the Limón Institute, which delivers accredited professional training programs (LimónPro, LimónLaunch, certificate programs, Winter/Summer Intensives, LimónNext), youth education (Limón4Kids), public classes (LimónOutdoors, in-person and Zoom), repertory licensing to professional companies and universities, archival access, and branded merchandise. The Foundation sustains operations via earned revenue streams and contributed support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public arts funders.

Product overview

The José Limón Dance Foundation operates as a unified organization with two primary entities: the Limón Dance Company (the main touring repertory company) and the Limón Institute (educational and archival center). The portfolio includes Limón2 as the second company for young professionals; professional training programs LimónPro and LimónLaunch (offered as separate terms or combined certificate program); education programs Limón4Kids and LimónNext; seasonal intensives (Summer, Winter, Teachers Workshop) and regular classes (in-person and online); plus licensing services, archives, and merchandise. The Foundation offers performance-based programs, educational offerings, and supporting services across the dance ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LimónPro: Professional training program for dancers aged 18+ focusing on Limón technique, principles, and repertory during Fall term (September-December)
• LimónLaunch
• LimónOutdoors
• Limón4Kids
• LimónNext
• Limón Innovation Fund
• Limón2

Products and services

• Limón Dance Company (Live Performance / Touring Repertory) International touring repertory ensemble performing 74 preserved works by José Limón alongside new commissions from contemporary choreographers (including Aszure Barton's 'Join' and Akram Khan's reimagining of The Moor's Pavane). Tickets sold via venues such as Joyce Theater (NYC), The Moore Theatre (Seattle), UtahPresents, Northrop (Minneapolis), Vivo Performing Arts (Boston), Texas Performing Arts Center (Austin), and Windhover Center (Rockport, MA).
• Limón Institute (Education & Archives) Educational and archival center providing professional training programs, workshops, intensives, classes, the Limón4Kids program, and the curated Limón Archives (moving and still images, audio recordings, playbills, posters, scores, production designs). NASD-accredited.
• Limón2 (Second Company for Young Professionals) Second company dedicated to development of young professionals for sustainable dance careers, focusing on innovative programming and accessible community engagement.
• LimónPro (Fall Professional Training Program) Fall term (September-December) intensive for dancers 18+ offering Limón Technique, Principles, Repertory, and Contemporary Repertory with performance opportunities. Tuition $3,500 (early registration before July 17, 2026) or $4,500 (standard), plus $75 registration fee and $1,000 deposit.
• LimónLaunch (Spring Professional Training Program) Spring term (February-May) intensive for dancers 18+ focusing on ensemble pieces, contemporary repertory, company observation, and studio showing. Tuition $3,500 (early registration before December 31, 2026) or $4,500 (standard), plus $75 registration fee.
• Limón4Kids (K-12 School Education Program) Free in-school modern dance program for grades 2-12 in NYC public schools (Harlem, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx), introducing Limón's legacy and inclusive pedagogical approach.
• LimónNext (Teen Intensive) Intensive for teens aged 13-17 focusing on breath-and-weight technique, college audition preparation, and artistic development. Tuition $550 + $50 non-refundable registration fee; $20 drop-in technique class.
• Winter Intensive Five-day December intensive (Winter Intensive 2026: December 7-11) offering Technique, Repertory, and Principles training. For intermediate and advanced dancers aged 15+. Tuition $600 + $50 registration; scholarships $50-$150 available.
• Summer Intensives (NYC Dancer Intensive & Teachers Workshop) Summer programs: NYC Dancer Intensive Week 1 (June 22-26) at $700, Week 2 (June 29-July 2) at $650, or both weeks at $1,200; plus NYC Teachers Workshop (July 13-17, 2026) at $600 for K-12 and higher ed teachers.
• In-Person & Online Classes Regular drop-in Limón technique classes held in person in Harlem and Chelsea, plus Sunday Zoom classes taught by company members, open to all levels.
• LimónOutdoors Free outdoor Limón dance classes at Bryant Park and West Harlem Piers Park during summer, open to all ages and levels with live music accompaniment.
• Repertory Licensing Licensing of the 74-work José Limón choreographic catalogue (The Moor's Pavane, Missa Brevis, Mazurkas, etc.) to professional dance companies, universities, and educational institutions for performance.
• Branded Merchandise Shop Direct-to-consumer online shop selling branded apparel including 80th Anniversary T-shirts ($38 reg $48), Institute 40th Anniversary shirts, athletic socks ($15), sweatpants ($55), hoodie ($57), and Black Cuff Beanie ($25 reg $30).
• Limón Archives Access Archival research and digitization service providing access to a unique collection of moving and still images, audio recordings, playbills, posters, choreographic notes, music scores, and production designs for scholars and researchers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,000+ students and scholars reached annually through education programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and major.

• Sozo ArtistscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManagement company representing the Limón Dance Company for touring, new works inquiries, and booking. Contact: +1 (917) 791-3680 or [email protected]. Sozo handles 26/27 management and booking for performances.
• New York Language CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for international dancers to obtain student visas while training with Limón. ESL learners can obtain visas via the language center while attending Limón Institute programs in the mornings.
• IIE (Institute of International Education)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for J-1 visa sponsorship for international dancers with fair to advanced English language command. Provides visa support for dancers to participate in training programs.
• Dance/USAsupportingOthersNational service organization for dance. The Limón Dance Company is a member.
• Dance/NYCsupportingOthersRegional service organization for dance in NYC. The Limón Dance Company is a member.
• Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP)supportingOthersNational service organization for performing arts presenters. The Limón Dance Company is a member.
• Western Arts AlliancesupportingOthersWestern regional arts service organization. The Limón Dance Company is a member.
• National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)coreOthersAccrediting body for dance programs. The Limón Training Programs are accredited by NASD.
• Arts & Business CouncilsupportingOthersOrganization connecting arts and business communities. The Limón Dance Company is a member.
• United States-Mexico Chamber of CommercesupportingOthersBinational organization promoting trade between US and Mexico. The Limón Dance Company is a member, reflecting the Mexican heritage of founder José Limón.
• The Joyce TheatermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary NYC venue hosting the Limón Dance Company's 80th anniversary season (October 6-11, 2026). The Joyce Theater is a major presenter of modern dance in New York.
• Akram KhanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternationally acclaimed choreographer commissioned to reimagine Limón's masterpiece The Moor's Pavane for the Northrop Centennial Commission. Collaboration includes creative collaborators Aditya Prakash (composer) and Zeynep Kepekli (lighting designer).
• Aszure BartonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChoreographer who created Join in collaboration with Grammy-nominated composer Ambrose Akinmusire, commissioned for Limón's 80th anniversary season.
• Ambrose AkinmusiremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrammy-nominated composer collaborating with Aszure Barton on Join for Limón's 80th anniversary.
• National Dance InstitutesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting the Limón4Kids program through collaborative educational initiatives.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company: NYC-based modern dance company with touring and education programs; Michelle Preston (Limón's Executive Director) previously worked with this company. Comparable mission, audience, and educational programming.
• Pilobolus: Modern dance company with national touring, commissioned choreography, and educational outreach programming. Comparable repertory-plus-education nonprofit structure, though more commercialized.
• Merce Cunningham Trust: Foundation stewarding Merce Cunningham's choreography through licensing, reconstruction, and educational programs after the company's closure. Directly comparable as a post-founder modern dance legacy organization focused on IP licensing.
• Martha Graham Dance Company: Modern dance repertory company and legacy foundation controlling Martha Graham's choreography, licensing to companies and universities, with an education arm and NYC performance base. Direct comparable as a founder-anchored modern dance IP holder.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Largest American modern dance repertory company and nonprofit, also NYC-based with national touring, a school, and community education programs (Ailey Extensions). Closest direct comparable to Limón in mission, structure, and programming mix.
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Mid-sized contemporary/modern dance company with national touring and education programs (Hubbard Street Dance Center). Comparable scale and programming mix to Limón, though based outside NYC.
• Paul Taylor Dance Company: Modern dance repertory company and foundation in NYC preserving Paul Taylor's choreography, with touring, education programs, and licensing of masterworks. Mid-sized nonprofit structurally comparable to Limón.
• Mark Morris Dance Group: Modern dance company with NYC home season, national/international touring, and education/community programs (Dance for PD). Comparable scale and mission mix; trainees cited in Limón data have placed with this company.

Others

• The Joyce Theater: NYC presenting venue that hosts Limón's NYC seasons and presents many peer modern dance companies. Related as a venue/presenter partner rather than a direct competitor; relevant for understanding distribution relationships.

Regional players

• Batsheva Dance Company: Israeli modern dance repertory company under artistic director Ohad Naharin with international touring and educational programs (Batsheva Dancers Create). Internationally comparable modern dance repertory model in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/limondance
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LimonDanceCompany
• Facebookfacebook.com/LimonDance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jose-limon-dance-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/limondance
• Pinterestpinterest.com/limondance

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about José Limón Dance Foundation