One of New York City’s many cultural landmarks, The Joyce Theater was founded in 1982 and since that time has become a hub of dance, hosting the premier dance companies of the world for the enjoyment of an annual audience of over one hundred thousand. For their Fall/Winter 2016 season The Joyce located in the Chelsea Area of Manhattan, will host a lineup of dance companies whose work spans from the historic roots of modern dance to the work of choreographers shaping today’s most respected dance innovations.

Notably, the Martha Graham Company will be returning to the Joyce for a two-week engagement from Feb. 14–26. In addition to the work of contemporary choreographers, the Graham Company also performs the original choreographic works of Martha Graham, a pioneer in modern dance whose work was a catalyst for innovations in dance that are still felt today. Her choreography stems from a style Graham developed herself in the 1920s. As a reaction to the pervasively classical nature of dance at the time, Graham wanted to create movement that was rooted in visceral expression. The resulting technique focused on the strength of one’s center— a technique that is taught internationally and studied intensively by Fordham’s own BFA dancers under the direction of current and former company members.

As well as showcasing the historic roots of modern dance, the Joyce will be hosting L-E-V, a company working at the cutting edge of contemporary dance. Cofounded by Sharon Eyal, a former dancer of The Batsheva Dance Company of Israel, L-E-V will be presenting an evening-length work titled “OCD Love,” inspired by the poem “OCD” which was written and performed by Neil Hilborn in 2013. Hilborn’s original performance, which was recorded and posted on YouTube, has received more than 11 million hits. The poem is an honest, searing portrait of love and heartbreak undertaken within the intricacies and obsessions of Hilborn’s OCD. Such a striking example of excellence in Hilborn’s artform will undoubtedly translate into a mirrored excellence in L-E-V’s production.

For a lighthearted holiday run, Les Ballets Trockadero des Monte Carlo will perform at the Joyce from Dec. 13–31. The Trockaderos perform works from the classical ballet canon with an all male cast, placing the male ballet dancers into roles such as Princess Aurora, Odette and Cinderella. The men fully embrace their feminine roles, dancing en pointe, in tutus and wearing faces of elaborate makeup worthy of Ru Paul. The Trockaderos perform with a satirical look at ballet, but their technical accomplishments are not to be underestimated. The dancers will leave any audience in a combination of awe and hilarity.

The 2016–17 season will also highlight companies such as Complexions Contemporary Ballet, directed by two former members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Bodytraffic, a highly acclaimed, young L.A-based contemporary dance company; Dorrance Dance, a tap ensemble led by Michelle Dorrance, a Macarthur Genius Fellowship recipient; and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. A complete listing of the season’s lineup, as well as in depth descriptions of the companies, can be found at Joyce.org.

While at first glance the steep price of tickets could puncture anyone’s excitement for this season’s lineup, there is a way to see any and all of the performances for free–by working as an usher. The job of an usher is easy; you stuff programs with inserts and, once audience members arrive, hand them out while directing guests to their seats. Following the performance, ushers are expected to look through the theater for extra programs and trash that may have been left behind. Unlike movie theaters, it is unlikely ushers would encounter spilled popcorn or crushed skittles, as the Joyce does not allow food or drinks in the theater. McCall Sheetz, Fordham College Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’19, volunteered during Pennsylvania Ballet’s 2015 performance at the Joyce. In describing her experience she said “During the show we sat in the upper level seating…I could see the stage well, it was a great view.” No need to worry that seeing this season’s incredible program will be a diminished experience through the volunteer program. After all, New York is a vibrant crucible for a world of prestigious, innovative and captivating art and the Joyce is readily assisting any and all to fully experience that world leaving their bank accounts untouched.