Tonight I was out to support the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation at their "Bright Lights, Shining Stars!" Gala. This non-profit supports excellence in the field of dance, empowering the next generation of dancers through education and scholarships. The event was held at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts at New York University and honored this years scholarship recipients as well as jazz legend Roberta Flack as the first ever recipient of the Ambassador of the Arts Award.
The evening featured over two hours of to-die-for performances. Can you guess that I was in heaven? From Smokey Joe's to In The Heights, we got to see some of Broadway's best. Yet that is not all! Also taking the stage were student performers from across the country, many of them recipients of the 2011 NYCDAF Scholarships (which totaled close to $60,000!) These young dancers absolutely stole the show! Their energy was intoxicating and their technique was to die for. The night ended with a gracious acceptance speech from Ms. Flack, whose words made it quite obvious why she was worthy of the honor. It was slightly surreal for me to be there supporting a woman who I so deeply admire.
The event was filled with interesting guests, including the star of Carousel on the West End Jeremiah James (a Rochester native, hooray!!), Food Network Star Finalist Chris Nirschel, Come Fly Away's Karine Platadit, Real Housewife Ramona Singer, Billy Elliot's Tade Biesinger, as well as all the young dancers who had joined for the evening.
Most exciting celebrity find of the night? Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Reilly Johannsen and Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen Tiare Keeno!!! Can you imagine my excitement when two beautiful young women came up and told me they are part of the Miss America organization? It was an honor to get to meet and chat with them, and I cannot wait for them to meet Lauren! With the Outstanding Teen pageant coming up in August, they are in the final prep phase and yet still traveling to engage in their craft. It was wonderful to meet some of the young women who so beautifully exemplify what the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program is about.
Congratulations to Roberta Flack for receiving this incredibly auspicious award. Also, to all of this year's scholarship recipients!! I am so honored to have seen your work and hope someday we will be sharing a stage together, for you are truly the next generation of stars. Thank you to NYCDA Executive Director Joe Lanteri for organizing such a beautiful celebration of art. It was an honor to be there to support your organization!!
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