Founded in 2018 by respected performer, producer, director and mentor Laurie Kanyok, the Kanyok Arts Initiative is a professional training program for emerging young dancers ages 13-18. At KAI, students are empowered to meet the expanding demands of the 21st century performer as a multi-faceted artist. In this intimate and innovative environment, the faculty is committed to delivering a balanced approach of diverse dance styles, voice, and acting techniques. While priming students for successful careers on the professional stage, screen, and collegiate level, KAI graduates develop deep connections to industry leaders who usher them into the professional sphere through opportunity, employment, and continued networking. Small class sizes yield hands-on training and individualized curriculums while cultivating strong faculty and student mentorships, resulting in a growing list of graduates cast in Broadway shows and national tours, and accepted into dance companies and highly competitive collegiate programs. Alumni are currently dancing on Broadway in Cats and The Music Man, and with the Radio City Rockettes, and have been accepted into prestigious collegiate arts programs and conservatories like Juilliard, UC Kaufmann, Boston Conservatory, Princeton University, and many others.

With proof of concept to cultivate well rounded artists who are equipped with the tools to excel and realize their individualized dreams, KAI continues to expand training programs for a wider demographic of students. KAI KIDS, for children ages 9-12, is designed to give younger students an age-appropriate spring-board into performing arts training 3 days a week, and a new Coaching program has been established for students based outside of New York City to supplement their local training program. Kanyok Arts Initiative continues to celebrate the unique voice of the artist, instilling in them confidence and integrity to excel not only in the spotlight but also as responsible, thoughtful, and well-rounded citizens,

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
As we begin to grow in size during our sixth anniversary year, we are seeking funding to support our expansion. Our 2024 Future is Now fund will help to secure and move into a larger training facility and to continue to expand our curriculum for more students. We will continue to explore new initiatives to bring our curriculum to a wider range of students while placing mentorship and coaching opportunities, tuition scholarship opportunities, career guidance and support as a priority now and for the future.

Our levels of tax-deductible support include:

$10,000: Fund a student's tuition for a full year.

$5,000: Help to subsidize a student’s tuition with a need-based half-year scholarship.

$2,500: Sponsor one of our KAI faculty members for 1 month of classes and mentorship

$1,000: Fund professional development seminars, guest choreographers and real-world opportunities for KAI students throughout the year.

Thank you for your generosity and in your support to helping the students of Kanyok Arts Initiative, grow, dream, and achieve. The Future is Now.