The gift marks the first first endowment-specific donation to the center, specifically designated to support dance activity at BAC, which functions as a creative laboratory and performance space for artists from around the world in a range of disciplines, including theatre. Nureyev and Baryshnikov were friends and colleagues who both trained at the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg before defecting from the Soviet Union.

"I am thrilled and grateful for the generous support from the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation. With this new gift, we will be able to establish the first endowed fund at BAC––an incredible milestone for our organization," commented Baryshnikov in a press statement. "BAC’s mission is to provide a space and home for artists and dancers to continue to grow and develop their art, with absolute freedom. This embodies what Rudolf Nureyev represented: who he was as a person and an artist."

In its ten-year history, BAC, located at 450 W. 37th Street in New York, has presented an eclectic and unique slate of shows from around the world. From Sept. 30, internationally acclaimed puppeteer Ronnie Burkett brings his latest marionette extravaganza The Daisy Theatre, to the center's Jerome Robbins Theater, running through Oct. 10. The two-week engagement is part of BAC's 10th anniversary celebration. For more information on the upcoming season visit BACnyc.