7th Annual Dance Against Cancer May 2017
/DAC is a tribute and fundraising event hosted by New York City Ballet principal Daniel Ulbricht and dancer Erin Fogerty. Daniel and Erin are heartfelt and committed to make a difference. They have raised well over $1 million for the American Cancer Society! There were 15 dance numbers and dancers represented from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey dance, Broadway Dance Lab and Dorrance Dance.
My daughter Samara, a life coach accompanied me and she was thrilled to sit next to a former New York City ballet dancer Vincent who was absolutely charming.Each dancer shared who they were honoring, who have been affected, still struggling with and lost to cancer.
My eyes welled up. Here is a smattering of the evening highlights.
Liturgy
Maria Kowroski and Jared Angle both from the New York City Ballet with choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. I was struck by Maria's grace, fluidity, and strength. Jaren and Maria were beautiful together.
House of the Rising Sun
Daniel Ulbricht and Joseph Gatti we're dressed in black shirt and black jeans and danced dynamically, aggressively to music by “The Animals.” I love Marcelo Gomes’s innovative and fresh choreography.
Shifting
I admit I'm biased. I love tap dancing and Michelle Dorrance is the consummate phenomenal innovative, creative tapper. Michelle along with Anthony Morigerato tabooed their hearts out and received a standing ovation.
Smooth Criminal With music by Michael Jackson
Ballroom Dancers Denys Drozdyuk and Antonia Skobina rocked the house. Their dancing was exhilarating, exciting, mind blowing and phenomenal. I spoke with them at the after party and I learned so much more about their collaboration and commitment.
Tarantella
Ashley Bouder and Daniel Ulbricht have been dancing with each other since they were children at the School of American Ballet. They danced tonight with ease and a joyous fun lightness of being. I loved Daniel's antics, athleticism, and Ashley's strength and resilience. Their smiles closed the evening performances with an upbeat, hopeful aura.
