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Astoria Dance Company Permanently Closes, Casualty of the Pandemic

Rioult Dance Center at 34-01 Steinway St., Astoria

May 7, 2021 By Allie Griffin

An Astoria-based dance company is closing due to the toll the pandemic has taken on its business.

Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre announced Thursday that it is dissolving the organization and closing its dance center — effective immediately.

The company was founded 27 years ago and opened its Rioult Dance Center at 34-01 Steinway St. in Astoria just over two years ago.

The center served as both a home for the dance company and a space for dancers from across the city to take classes, rehearse and choreograph new performances. It also offered community-based arts programming for the local community in Astoria and western Queens.

“On behalf of the Board, we’re saddened to announce the dissolution of the organization and the closure of the RIOULT Dance Center,” said Hope Greenfield, former Chairman of the dance company board. “We had expected many great things for the future of the Company, especially with our new Center in Astoria, but the pandemic has sadly brought an end to our plans”.

The dance company component of Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre has performed at venues and festivals all over the country and world.

“I am sorry that my dream of establishing a home for the company and a school that celebrates the diversity and richness of dance has come to this unfortunate end, and has necessitated the closure of the dance company,” Pascal Rioult, the founder of the company, said. “I am proud of the reputation RIOULT Dance NY has garnered over 27 years.”