New York City has always been a cultural melting pot, a place where creativity, community, and resilience intersect. In the heart of the Lower East Side, we are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership that honors that legacy: the Dorill Initiative, the Boys Club of New York (BCNY), and The Joyce Theater are joining forces to reclaim and reimagine the historic Harriman Clubhouse. Together, we will breathe new life into this iconic space, bringing back essential programming for boys while introducing innovative arts and leadership opportunities that will champion the next generation.
A New Vision for Harriman Clubhouse called the New York Center for creativity & Dance
For decades, the Harriman Clubhouse was a cornerstone of the Lower East Side, a place where boys from underestimated communities found mentorship, structure, and a sense of belonging. But over time, the clubhouse and its programs faded. Now, through this dynamic collaboration, we aim to restore its purpose—and so much more.
The partnership with BCNY brings back the long-standing tradition of vital boys’ programming, including leadership development, academic support, and artistic engagement. However, this new chapter for Harriman Clubhouse adds a bold cultural dimension: The Joyce Theater, renowned for its dedication to dance and the performing arts, will be deeply involved, offering programming that integrates creative expression and movement as powerful tools for personal and social growth in their new space called, New York Center for Creativity & Dance.
Why This Partnership is So Important
At the Dorill Initiative, we believe in the power of arts, culture, and leadership to change lives. For years, our focus has been on uplifting at-promise youth through programs that build not just skills, but confidence, self-awareness, and community engagement. The Boys’ Club of New York shares this mission, with a legacy of offering life-changing support to young boys across the city.
By adding The Joyce Theater into the equation, we are amplifying this vision, creating an interdisciplinary approach that fosters growth in both the mind and body. Dance, as a form of expression, has the unique ability to inspire creativity while promoting discipline and teamwork. Together, we are offering boys in the Lower East Side a comprehensive set of tools for success—whether their future lies in the arts, entrepreneurship, or community leadership.
The Role of The Joyce Theater: Art in Action
The Joyce Theater’s involvement brings a new layer of engagement to this partnership. Known for curating world-class dance performances and supporting emerging artists, The Joyce is committed to making the arts accessible to all. Through this collaboration, they will offer boys at Harriman Clubhouse exposure to the performing arts in ways that are both interactive and transformative.
From movement workshops to artist residencies, The Joyce will provide boys with opportunities to learn from professional dancers and choreographers, allowing them to explore the powerful role that physical expression can play in personal development. Dance will not only serve as a creative outlet but also as a way to build confidence, improve mental health, and foster a sense of identity and belonging.
Bringing the Community Together
At its core, this partnership is about more than just reclaiming a building—it’s about reclaiming a sense of community. By revitalizing the Harriman Clubhouse, we are bringing back a space where boys from all backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and grow. The boys’ programs will focus on leadership development, social emotional learning, arts education, and entrepreneurship—all areas crucial for navigating today’s complex world.
What makes this initiative so special is its holistic approach: Boys in the Lower East Side will have access to mentorship, academic support, and now, the performing arts—all under one roof. This interdisciplinary model speaks to our belief that every boy has the potential to be a leader, creator, and change-maker, and we are giving them the tools to realize that potential.
What’s Next for Harriman Clubhouse? New York Center For Creativity & Dance
As we move forward, the focus will be on expanding our program, Next Gen Knights’, that reflects the needs and aspirations of boys in the Lower East Side. Our collective goal is to open doors—not just physically, but metaphorically—providing pathways to success that extend beyond the walls of Harriman Clubhouse.
In collaboration with BCNY and The Joyce Theater, the Dorill Initiative will host leadership workshops, arts-based community projects, and entrepreneurial skill-building sessions designed to equip boys with the knowledge, confidence, and creativity to thrive. The Joyce Theater will also facilitate performances, providing boys with the chance to showcase their talents and explore their artistic voices.
Additionally, we are inviting the community to take part in this transformation. By working closely with families, local leaders, and educators, we will ensure that the New York Center for Creativity & Dance becomes a reflection of the values and needs of the neighborhood it serves.
A Bright Future Ahead
The partnership between Dorill Initiative, Boys Club of New York, and The Joyce Theater is about more than just preserving the legacy of the Harriman Clubhouse. It’s about forging a new future—one where boys in the Lower East Side have access to dynamic, life-changing programs that foster both personal and collective growth.
Together, we are reclaiming space, reimagining possibilities, and building a brighter future for our boys. We couldn’t be more excited to embark on this journey, and we look forward to sharing this revitalized program with the community soon.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming programs and how you can get involved in this transformative initiative!
For more information on the Dorill Initiative, Boys Club of New York, and The Joyce Theater’s collaboration or how you can support this project, please reach out to Sean Redding via email at sean@dorill.org today!
