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DANCE NEWS: The Joyce Theater Announces Transformational Gift of $15 Million from Rajika Puri and Anupam "Tino" Puri
The Joyce Theater Foundation, Inc. (Linda Shelton, Executive Director) today announced a landmark $15 million gift from dance artist, scholar, and advocate Rajika Puri and her late husband, Anupam “Tino” Puri (1945–2025), Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company. The Puris have been steadfast supporters of The Joyce Theater since 1992, sharing an enduring belief in dance as one of humanity’s most vital expressions of culture.
This transformational contribution — one of the largest in The Joyce Theater’s history — will provide vital, long-term support for the organization’s operations and future stability. The gift will strengthen The Joyce’s ability to sustain its mission, ensuring that artists and audiences alike continue to experience the very best in dance within a thriving, accessible home. It will also allow The Joyce to invest thoughtfully in its physical spaces and essential infrastructure, supporting the continued vitality of dance in New York City for years to come.
In recognition of this extraordinary leadership gift and the Puris’ decades-long dedication to the art form, The Joyce Theater Foundation will formally name its auditorium the Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium.
“Tino and Rajika Puri have long embodied the spirit of generosity, curiosity, and devotion that defines The Joyce community,” said Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater. “They are beloved figures within the world of dance—not only for their deep appreciation of the discipline, but for their unwavering belief in the artists who create it. This extraordinary gift will transform what The Joyce can offer for generations to come. It ensures that The Joyce will continue to be a place where the very best in dance is created, shared, and celebrated.”
“Dance must be celebrated and venerated as an essential part of culture in America,” said Rajika Puri. “The Joyce Theater stands alone in its commitment to bringing the finest dance from around the world to New York audiences. It honors dancers across every discipline and elevates the visibility and understanding of this extraordinary form of expression.”
![IMPRESSIONS: Will Rawls' “[siccer]” at the Keith Haring Theatre at Performance Space New York](/images/features_large/20251119_WillRawls_siccer_PerformanceSpaceNY_WhitneyBrowne--55.jpg)
