Donald Borror Named Director of Lincoln Center’s Pasculano Collaborative
Our take
The recent appointment of Donald Borror as the Director of the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) marks a significant moment not just for the institution but for the broader landscape of contemporary dance. This initiative, backed by an unprecedented $50 million founding gift from Lynne and Richard Pasculano, signals a commitment to elevating contemporary dance within one of the world's most prestigious cultural venues. As noted in Dance takes center stage in Lincoln Center’s ‘Summer for the City’, the LCPA is no stranger to ambitious projects, and the establishment of the Pasculano Collaborative is poised to further enrich its artistic offerings.
Borror brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as Managing Director of Chelsea Factory and Executive Director of Dorrance Dance. His track record suggests he is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary dance, an art form that continuously challenges traditional boundaries. The Pasculano Collaborative aims to bolster the visibility of contemporary dance and provide a platform for innovative performances that resonate with diverse audiences. This focus on contemporary dance aligns with the growing recognition of the genre's importance, as highlighted in recent discussions around works like Infinite Steps: Thirty-three Dancers and Their Lives in Ballet, which underscores the evolving narratives in dance.
What makes Borror’s appointment particularly exciting is the potential for a cultural shift in how contemporary dance is perceived and experienced. The Pasculano Collaborative is not merely an extension of LCPA’s programming; it represents a reimagining of the role of dance in the performing arts ecosystem. With contemporary dance often seen as esoteric or niche, Borror’s leadership could pave the way for a more inclusive approach, inviting audiences who may not have previously engaged with this form. This venture could also foster collaborations across disciplines, as seen in other innovative initiatives at LCPA, such as the upcoming gala honoring actress Katie Holmes, which aims to bridge the gap between different art forms.
The strategic importance of Borror's role extends beyond programming. His leadership could inspire a new generation of dancers and choreographers, encouraging them to explore their artistic voices within the contemporary dance space. The collaborative nature of this initiative can create opportunities for dialogue and exchange, fostering a sense of community among artists and audiences alike. As we look to the future, it will be intriguing to see how Borror's vision unfolds and whether it successfully attracts new patrons to the world of contemporary dance.
In an era where the arts face numerous challenges, the Pasculano Collaborative’s establishment is a beacon of hope and innovation. It invites us to consider how spaces like Lincoln Center can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Will this initiative inspire similar projects in other arts organizations, pushing the boundaries of what contemporary dance can achieve? As we watch this collaborative take shape, one thing is clear: the future of contemporary dance at Lincoln Center is in capable hands, and its success could redefine the very essence of how we experience and appreciate dance in our society.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) announces Donald Borror’s appointment to the newly created position of Director, Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance. Borror joins Lincoln Center after a four-year tenure as Managing Director of Chelsea Factory and six years as Executive Director of Dorrance Dance. He began in this new role on December 2.
The Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance was established in March 2025, following an unprecedented $50 million founding gift from Lynne and Richard Pasculano – the largest single programming donation in LCPA history. This ambitious initiative expands contemporary dance across the Lincoln Center campus, bringing the world’s most dynamic and innovative performances to this cultural crossroads while honoring the campus’s distinguished dance legacy and investing in the next generation of dance artists.
“We’re thrilled to have Donald Borror join us as we establish the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance,” said Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer. “He brings a wealth of expertise to this new role, as a dancer and leader with highly regarded dance companies over the course of his impressive career thus far. His expansive experience, as well as his deep love and appreciation for the power of dance within our city’s cultural ecosystem and beyond, make him the perfect collaborator for this thrilling moment in Lincoln Center’s trajectory.”
“It is the honor of a lifetime to join Lincoln Center to help develop this extraordinary venture,” said Donald Borror, Director, Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance.“I am so inspired by the brilliant work of Shanta Thake and her team of visionary artists and administrators. As a young dancer and student on this campus at Juilliard decades ago, I never dreamed that someday I’d be in a position to shape such a phenomenal investment in contemporary dance—let alone with such dedicated colleagues and on the world’s best stages. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue championing the power of contemporary dance and to help ensure our field’s bright and fearless future.”
Borror joins a robust team of producers, curators, artists-in-residence, and guest curators—all integral to furthering the organization’s programmatic vision and supporting innovative artistry that complements the work of the ten resident arts organizations with whom LCPA shares the Lincoln Center campus. Key members of the broader team include Jordana Leigh, Senior Vice President of Programming at LCPA; Meiyin Wang, Director of Contemporary Programs at LCPA; and Kyle Abraham, Guest Curator of the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance through August 1, 2026.
Borror will work to expand contemporary dance’s presence at Lincoln Center, transforming the aspirations of the Pasculano Collaborative into enduring impact both for audiences and dance makers. Envisioned are two dance festivals annually, as well as a variety of resources and collaborations to support dancers, choreographers, and companies in New York City and beyond.
Borror holds far-reaching experiences and networks within the dance community, wearing many hats across the field and with a wide variety of companies. A respected administrative and artistic leader, Borror is a graduate of The Juilliard School and a long-time Upper West Side resident.
Additional details, including summer 2026 programming and performance dates, will be announced in the coming months.
Visit lincolncenter.org for the latest updates.
The post Donald Borror Named Director of Lincoln Center’s Pasculano Collaborative appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience