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Embracing Dance and Finding Community in New York City with the Benenson Award

A photo composite featuring dance venues and young adults dancing

by Duke Arts
February 26, 2026

Benenson AwardsProfile / Q&A

In the summer of 2025, Antonio Marrujo ’27 immersed himself in New York City’s dance scene with funding support from the Benenson Award. Receiving training from numerous studios and learning from a host of choreographers and mentors, he expanded his technique across genres and gained a deeper understanding of the professional dance world. Now taking a year off to study at the National Institute of Flamenco & Conservatory of Flamenco Arts, Antonio reflects on a summer that built on his Duke training and strengthened his connection to the discipline. In this Q&A, he shares insights from the experience, plus a clip of him performing with his cohort at Brickhouse NYC.

This is the third Q&A in our series this year spotlighting the places Duke students go and the opportunities they step into after receiving a Benenson Award in the Arts.

Applications are open now for the 2026 Benenson Awards in the Arts, which provide funding for fees, travel, and other educational expenses for arts-centered projects proposed by undergraduates (including graduating seniors) to take place over the summer.

The deadline for 2026 Benenson Award applications is Monday, March 16!

Learn more & apply


You spent time taking classes at a variety of studios and in many styles. How did experiencing this diversity of dance shape your summer?

The entire summer, I would take classes at various studios to connect with different teachers, choreographers, and groups of individuals that would shape my dance experience in NYC and for years to come. I danced at an array of studios, including Brickhouse NYC (where I also worked front desk), Broadway Dance Center, PMT Dance Studio, Ballet Hispanico, and Modega in Queens. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to dance at all of these locations because each gave me different perspectives of dance and myself. Although I gravitated towards Hip-hop and adjacent styles, taking classes at different studios and experimenting with styles allowed me to meet new people and gain new perspectives. Every studio has its own niche, and it was amazing to see the diversity of individuals and so beautiful to see so much artistry. 

Coming away from your summer, what lessons, either personal or artistic, have you brought back to Duke with you?

Over the summer, I learned that the dance world is very competitive, especially in a bigger city like New York. Although it is completely normal to compare yourself to others, it is important to not let these comparisons define you or your artistry. There were countless times when I caught myself comparing myself to others too much, affecting my self-esteem and dance experience in that given moment. It is crucial to stay grounded in a big city with lots of people from all over the world. I also learned how to stand up for myself and to let my voice be heard through my movement. In competitive environments, it is easy to let others define your experience and to shut you down, but by the end of the summer, I developed the skill of speaking my truth. I acquired a greater sense of discernment—where to place my energy and how to protect it.

You’re in the process of writing your senior thesis. In what ways did your summer experience prepare you for doing so?

I am actually taking a year off from Duke, residing in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico to fully embrace the knowledge and experience I have gained over the summer and to expand upon it. I received a full scholarship from the National Institute of Flamenco & Conservatory of Flamenco Arts to train and take classes that will deepen my understanding of Flamenco and aid in the process of my thesis work. Additionally, I am attending school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist by the end of May. My endeavors in New Mexico were inspired by the bodily knowledge I acquired and the connections I made over the summer, which influenced me to deepen my understanding of the body in relation to others and to connect with my ancestors through movement.

In what ways did community – in the New York dance scene, in dancers and choreographers you met, and in the studios in which you spent time – influence your experience?

Although I took many classes from a variety of instructors, a few come to mind who left a lasting impact on me. Justin Desean, my street jazz instructor, was never hesitant to share his wisdom with me and the rest of his students. After our Friday class, we would sit in the middle of Times Square and have long talks about dance and the world at large. He encouraged me to utilize my full range of motion, proper engagement, and to play with dynamics when dancing. Our conversations after class also made me understand the importance of community and connecting with others within Street Style spaces. Additionally, Hector Lopez, my heels instructor, inspired me to embrace my feminine self and to love who I am and will become. I loved his inspirational talks during class based on his experiences as a gay male dancer, and you can see the passion he has for teaching and the love he has for his students. Finally, Kelly Peters, the co-owner of Brickhouse NYC, deepened my knowledge of Hip-Hop and Street Dance history and culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding its roots to inform the way we approach dance.

You took part in the Ballet Hispánico Summer Intensive. While also receiving studio training, what inspired you to participate in the intensive?

What originally drew me to New York was Ballet Hispanico because they host an audition at Duke yearly. I decided to audition for the intensive and thought it would be a great reason to be introduced to NYC. Although ballet is not my go-to, Ballet Hispanico also offers a wide variety of training opportunities in styles like Flamenco, salsa, modern, and repertoire. Participating in this intensive program allowed me to connect with others and to fully immerse myself in a professional training environment. I want to give a shout out to Professor Iyun Harrison, my advisor, mentor, and ballet professor at Duke, who encouraged me to audition for the Ballet Hispanico Summer Intensive. 

What thoughts would you share with a student interested in applying for the Benenson Award this year?

I would say to apply for it even if you don’t think you will receive the award. I received the Benenson my freshman year, and I didn’t think I would get it again after applying my sophomore year and not receiving it. I decided to apply again and ended up receiving it this past year, and was glad that I did. If you are passionate about what you do and show that on your application, the people in charge of giving the award will see that and be inclined to help you reach your artistic goals. Be persistent and talk to those involved with your application decision. They are there to help and support you in the process!

Choreography: Kara Lee | Video: Andre Canseco

Learn more about Antonio’s experience

More Q&As with Benenson Recipients