Danse Avec Clairobscur Fundraiser

The stars were out in Hollywood last Thursday, November 5th. Literally, the sky was clear and shining bright—and so were the celebrities. The setting was perfect for the “Danse Avec Clairobscur” fundraiser at Aventine on North Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood. Janice Dickinson, The Scheme, MC Raj Sharma, and several other celebrities shone a bright light on both the event and Laurie Sefton’s inspiring issue-based work highlighting climate change on our planet.

The event began with guest DJ Emma Ford spinning an eclectic mix, while celebrities mingled with the press, company dancers, and other guests. Then, almost out of nowhere, a triplet of Mrs. Sefton’s dancers appeared on the center stage. The guests surrounded them in anticipation. What came next was an inspiring array of movement and emotion that left the crowd pondering how to save our planet. This piece has yet to be named, and the finished piece will be premiered in San Francisco in February and Los Angeles in March.

A live auction was performed with great success. And as the silent auction ended, you could see guests prominently showing off their wins. It was an amazing night for an up-and-coming concert dance company in Los Angeles.

Company supporters enjoying the evening.

Dancers and company supporters take a moment to pose for a lovely picture

The Scheme

Clairobscur supporters on the Red Carpet

Laurie Sefton addressing fundraiser patrons

San Francisco Ballet's Infinite Romance Ballet Gala

Last week, the San Francisco Ballet celebrated its 2015 opening night and Helgi Tomasson's 30th anniversary season as SFB Artistic Director. Helgi announced the repertory for SFB's 82nd Repertory season at the themed gala, Infinite Romance.  The program consisted of excerpts of work by John Cranko, William Forsythe, Christopher Wheeldon, Renato Zanella and many more. The gala event began with a dinner benefit at City Hall and following the dinner, patrons walked across the street to kick-off the season at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House.  According to bizbash, the SFB Gala is not just on the top 100 events in San Francisco; the three-part event (pre-ballet dinner, performance, and after-party) ranks number 3 in the area following the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's Modern Ball and the tech industry's Tipping Point Community Annual Gala.  This year, catering for Infinite Romance was provided by McCalls with wine provided by William Hill Estate Winery.  Sparkling wine was courtesy of La Marca Prosecco and vodka was provided by Blue Angel Vodka and sparkling water by Crystal Geyser.  Check out some of the patrons and artists who turned heads this year at the SFB annual Gala. 

Maria Kotchetlova.  Photo Credit Drew Altizer

Debra Bernard, Glenn McCoy and Shelby Strudwick

Richard Barker and Paul Pelosi.  Photo Credit Drew Altizer.

Christopher Wheeldon and Jeffrey Hays.  Photo Credit Drew Altizer.

Yasunobu Kyogoku and Reiko Kyogoku.  Photo Credit Susana Bates for Drew Altizer Photography.

Sandy Weill and Joan Weill.  Photo Credit Claudine Gossett for Drew Alitzer Photography.

Marlene Tomasson, Helgi Tomasson, Tom Horn and Tom Perkins.  Photo Credit Rachel Bussiers for Drew Altizer Photography

Ailey's 2014 Opening Night Gala Benefit Performance and Party

Earlier in December, supporters, artists, actors and actresses, performers, and plenty of big-name celebrities gathered at the New York City Center for Ailey's 2014 Opening Night Gala Benefit performance and Party.  Along with a $4.6 Million Gala Record, Sanford Weill Announced that a total of 42 million was raised in Honor of Joan Weill and to launch the Campaign for Ailey's Future.   The company kicked off its five-week holiday season at New York City Center with a one-night-only performance featuring a company premiere of Hofesh Shechter's Uprising along with Robert Battle's Unfold Accompanied by Opera Superstar Soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Check out the pictures below to see images from the big event.

Hope Boykin, Carmen de Lavallade and Joan Weill. Photo by Whitney Browne

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Dancers attend Alvin Ailey's 2014 Opening Night Gala. Photo by Dario Calmese Jr

Hofesh Shechter, Rachael McLaren and Bruno Guillore.  Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Elaine Wynn and Robert Battle.  Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Alvin Ailey's 2014 Opening Night Gala.  Photo by Christopher Duggan

Guests at Alvin Ailey's 2014 Opening Night Gala. Photo by Whitney Browne

Clairobscur's Summer Soirée

Laurie Sefton’s Clairobscur Dance Company Summer Soirée Fundraiser was a stunning success!  Held on Saturday, June 7th at the offices of CO Architects and co-chaired by Jacqueline Hinton, Alana Mitnick and David Johnson.  Guests enjoyed amazing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills, food by Impeccable Taste Catering and drinks by St. Petersburg Vodka and Belle Ambiance Family Vineyards. Emotion actress Alison LaPlaca introduced Artistic Director Laurie Sefton who spoke passionately about the state of arts funding in California and the current explosion of LA based dance companies.  The company performed an excerpt from “More Please,” previewed a section from Laurie’s newest work and premiered indie band Hotel Cinema’s music video Haunting which was choreographed and directed by Laurie with performances by Clairobscur dancers Alyson Mattoon and Jackie Hinton. Clairobscur is currently raising funds for Laurie’s new work about memory, which will premiere later this year.  She is collaborating with the gifted composer Bryan Kostors on an original score for this new work. The evening ended with guests dancing to tunes spun by DJ Erik Lohr.

 Photo by Denise Leitner

Photo by Tracy Kumono

Photo by Tracy Kumono

2014 Ailey Spirit Gala Performance and Party

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s two-week spring engagement at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater kicked off in an exceptional way on Wednesday, June 11th with Revelations on the Plaza.  There was a free grand dance workshop, where hundreds of people learned excerpts of Alvin Ailey’s signature American masterpiece Revelations;  followed by The Ailey Spirit Gala, a one-night-only benefit performance and party with Honorary Chair Vanessa Williams and sponsored by FedEx Corporation.  The evening helped raise over $1 million for Alvin Ailey’s extensive educational programs for young people, including AileyCamp and scholarships to The Ailey School.  Great Job AAADT!

Joan Weill, Robert Battle, Vanessa Williams, Sanford Weill, and Gina Adams at the 2014 Ailey Spirit Gala at Lincoln Center.  Photo by Dario Calmese Jr.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya and Guests at the Ailey Spirit Gala at Lincoln Center.  Photo by Whitney Browne

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle and David Parsons at the 2014 Ailey Sprit Gala at Lincoln Center.  Photo by Dario Calmese Jr.

Elaine Wynn at the Ailey Spirit Gala at Lincoln Center.  Photo by Whitney Browne

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Jeroboam Bozeman and Guests at the Ailey Spirit Gala at Lincoln Center.  Photo by Whitney Browne

2014 Ailey Spirit Gala at Lincoln Center.  Photo by Whitney Browne

Pilobolus Ball/ NYC

Hey there everyone.  Pilobolus, the world-renown modern dance theater company, celebrated the kick-off of its annual NYC performance season at Tribeca Rooftop on May 22nd. The evening was artistically chaired by Mary-Louise Parker, and included a special preview of Pilobolus’s newest dance work, On the Nature of Things, premiering this summer at the American Dance Festival and the Joyce Theater, along with other performances throughout the evening. The fundraiser ended in a dance party with the Pilobolus dancers.  Enjoy the pics!  Also, stay tuned.  On June 21st, the company will be having a second Ball.  This one will be in Connecticut.

Pilobolus Dancers Ben Coalter, Nile Russell, Shawn Ahern, Eriko Jimbo, Derion Loman, Matt Del Rosario, Mike Tyus, Jordan Kriston, with Mary-Louise Parker

Richard Lambertson, Mark Proicou

Two guests enjoying the evening.

An Umbrella Event at the 2014 Pilobolus Ball/NYC

Leslie Kaufman, Pilobolus Associate Artistic Director Renée Jaworski, Robin Pogrebin

Paul Shaprio, Alvin Ailey Executive Director Emerita Sharon Luckman

  Pilobolus Artistic Associate Jun Kuribayashi, Khaliya Khan, Thomas Ermacora

Los Angeles Ballet Annual Gala 2014

The Los Angeles Ballet, founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, held its annual Gala April 12th at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.  It took place in the Ballroom which has a lovely Art Deco/Georgian modern feel and was bathed in a neon orchid light reminiscent of the 1980s. The hall was nearly empty upon our arrival with auction tables bedecked and servers in preparation.  The night celebrated Paula Abdul, Lori Milken and Jane Seymour.  Ms Abdul was honored for her life-long commitment and work in the dance field.  Former American Ballet Theatre Trustee and current Los Angeles Ballet Board Member, Lori Milken, was lauded for being an ardent supporter of access to the arts for people of all ages and for her extensive Phillanthropic work.  Seymour began her career in entertainment in ballet and she was gracious both with her demeanor and time.  The event was Co-Chaired by Los Angeles Ballet supporters, Leslie Kavanaugh and Kirsten Sarkisian which were also lovely entrants on the red carpet and were wonderful with their support, words, and time indeed.  The Gala brought in approximately 350 supporters and raised more than $1 million for the Ballet and the company performed excerpts from George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes.  Funding raised from the Gala each year goes directly to benefiting the dancers, not only in their expenses, but also in allowing Los Angeles Ballet to expand its programming each Season.  

Paula Abdul, Lori Milken and Jane Seymour.  Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith

L-R Leslie Kavanaugh, Lori Milken, Paula Abdul, Jane Seymour and Kirsten Sarkisian.  Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.

Jane Seymour with family.  Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.

Paula Abdul with Nigel Lithgoe.  Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith

Paula Abdual and LAB Director of Development Kathy Highstrete CFRE.  Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.

Former Governor of California Gray Davis and wife Sharon Davis.  Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.

Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company has its first Annual Gala

On Sunday, March 30th, L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, led by Artistic Director, Kate Hutter, hosted their first annual Gala event.  The event was held at a benefactor’s home in Los Feliz and 75 guests enjoyed delicious h’orderves prepared by Chef Duke Gervais, hand-made Kombucha Sangria by Health-Ade, and refreshing home brewed beer by Eric Mason, not to mention a short performance by the company and the beautiful spring weather.

The event was the culmination of the Company’s annual March Madness telethon during which company dancers and staff contact as many people as possible in an effort to bring them into the LACDC family.  The goal is to bring more audience to Los Angeles dance, and LACDC dance events specifically of course, and to solicit the donations which make the creation of dance and the payment of artists possible.

This year, LACDC surpassed its goal of $10,000 and raised over $12,000 from 124 donors!  All of these funds will go toward paying dancers and dance collaborators through LACDC’s season.  The mission of LACDC is to foster, promote and share the work of LA dance artists and thereby create a dance legacy in L.A.  The Gala truly reflected the shared belief that dance is fundamental to a thriving culture and demonstrated LACDC effort to reflect the vibrant and pioneering spirit of Los Angeles through its collaborations and artistic endeavors.

Catch their next show “Youth” at Club Fais Do-Do, May 1-4, 2014.

For tickets and more information: http://lacdcyouth.brownpapertickets.com/

Gala attendees awaiting the afternoon performance.  Photo Credit Eric Mason.

Guests posing for a quick picture.  Photo credit Eric Mason. 

All ages came to support LA Contemporary Dance.  Photo Credit Eric Mason.

Martha Graham Gala

On March 19, 2014 the Martha Graham Opening Night Gala Celebrating the Graham/Greek Connection began with a performance at New York City Center.  After a brief introduction from Artistic Director Janet Eilber, the audience was treated to excerpts from Graham's iconic ballet Clytemnestra, a special collaborative performance by the Hellenic Dance Company and Graham 2 in Graham’s Panorama, and finally the anticipated World Premiere of Andonis Foniadakis's Echo.

Graham Dancers and staff gather for an impromptu picture.

Following the performance, the Gala guests made their way to the prestigious Plaza Hotel, where they enjoyed an hour of passed hors d'oeuvres. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney joined the event and spoke with Executive Director LaRue Allen and with Trustee and Gala Chair Janis Tripodakis. New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham captured lovely images of the guests and dancers; his photos are available here. 

Martha Graham Dancer Lloyd Mayor

Martha Graham Dancer Lloyd Knight

After moving into the main hall, Laura Gordon, Interim Chair of the Board of Trustees, welcomed Gala guests to the dinner portion of the evening. The Graham Company was proud to have its honoree tables filled with the guests of  Concord Consulting Services; honoree HRH Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia; the representative for honoree Kitty P. Kyraicopoulos, Rallou Malliarakis Hamshaw; and Lila Lalaounis, the wife of special tribute Ilias Lalaounis. Gala guests included current and former Trustees, long-time supporters, visiting aficionados, and new friends of the Company.  Live dinner music enhanced the atmosphere.

Between courses, Janis Tripodakis and LaRue Allen introduced the honorees and special guests, addressing their connection to Greek culture and to Martha Graham Dance Company. HRH Crown Princess Katherine made a lovely speech about the importance of philanthropy and her love of her homeland, Greece. 

The evening ended with dessert and dancing, when the Martha Graham dancers shared the floor with guests. 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Annual Gala Benefit 2013

AAADT Kicked off its 2013-2014 season on December 4th at New York City Center with with an after party at the Hilton New York's Grand Ballroom.   The evening helped raise over 2.4 million for the creation of new works and to help support the company's educational programs like AileyCamp and to also support scholarships to the Ailey School. The  Honorary celebrity Co-Chair was Gabrielle Union and the event's co-chairs were Simin Allision & in memory, Herb Allision, Kathryn & Kennet Chenault, Daria L. Foster & Erich J. Wallach, Agnes & Gerald Hassell, Debra L Lee, and, Joan & Sandy Weill.  Over 1,000 guests came out to support Ailey and the program included Wayne McGregor's Chroma and, of course, Revelations.  

Eric J. and Daria L. Wallach, Actress and Honorary Chair Gabrielle Union, Artistic Director Robert Battle, and Joan and Sanford Weill. Photo Credit by Christoper Duggan

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Opening Night Gala.  Photo by Dario Calmese

Hope Boykin at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2013 Opening Night Gala.  Photo by Dario Calmese

Akua Noni Parker at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2013 Opening Night Gala.  Photo by Dario Calmese

Sanford Weill and Robert Battle.  Photo by Christopher Duggan

Alicia Graf Mack and Daisha Graf.  Photo by Christopher Duggan

Bennett Rink, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2013 Opening Night Gala.  Photo by Dario Calmese

Glorya Kaufman, Judith Jamison, and Joan Weill at Ailey's Openinig Night Gala.  Photo by Derek Daniels

Ailey Dancers Michael Francis McBride and Samuel Roberts.  Photo by Christopher Duggan

Ballet Austin's Fête & Fête*ish 2013

On Friday September 6 Ballet Austin celebrated its annual Fall Fête and Fêt*ish event at the Driskell Hotel.  The Fête 2013 kicked-off the Ballet Austin season, themed to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  The event grossed nearly $300,000, all to benefit community and education programs which reach over 57,000 Central Texans each year.  There were 215 Fete-goers paying between $500 and $1500 per ticket and an additional 300 or so fete*ish-goers.  As mentioned by the Ballet's Arts critic, Ballet Austin is the organization that “first mastered the dual party.”  In Austin, this event is known to open the “social season” in September.  Floral design and décor was by provided by Mandarin Flower Company and  Wine & spirits by TWIN.  Event Sponsors included Alex Ladage with UBS; DEN Property Group and Whole Foods Market.  Enjoy the pictures below.  

Evidence’s Hamptons Summer Benefit

Before another summer comes to a close in the Hamptons, let’s take a moment to highlight Evidence’s 10th Annual On Our Toes Summer benefit.  On Saturday, August 17th more than 200 guests came out to support Evidence, A Dance Company, in Bridgehampton NY.  Kudos to the company! Funds raised will support FULL BENEFITS for company artists and community outreach programs.  Yes!  - FULL BENEFITS!  Evidence board member and superstar fundraiser Reginald Canal raised $30,000 through a successful "Bricks and Mortar" campaign and final fundraising figures will be released later in the week.  Among other event activities, the evening included a silent auction which included VIP tix to the PGA Masters Tournament in Augusta GA; tix to the Super Bowl and the US open and vacation packages to private Villas in Italy and France.  Ailey Dancers showed some love too!  Check out the pics of Fana Tesfagiorgis and Matthew Rushing supporting Evidence.  On Our Toes was catered by Harlem’s 5 and Diamond Restaurant and beverages were provided by Moet Hennessy.  Enjoy!

Evidence Chair Reginald Van Lee with Ron K. Brown.  Photo Credit Getty Images

Ailey dancers Fana Tesfagiorgis and Matthew Rushing.  Photo Credit Getty Images

The Tent.  Photo Credit Getty Images

Patrons enjoying the atmosphere at the 10th Annual On Our Toes.  Photo Credit Getty Images

Evidence, A Dance Company Dancers.  Photo Credit Getty Images

The Young Patron Committee supporting Evidence, A Dance Company.  Photo Credit Getty Images

Daniel Bythewood and Khephra Burns attend Evidence, A Dance Company Hosts 10th Annual "On Our Toes".  Photo Credit Getty Images 

Honorary Co-Chairs of the event Khephra Burns and Susan Taylor.  Photo Credit Getty Images.

#TBT - Gala Benefit from 1984

John Travolta, Shirley MacLaine, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, from left, attend a gala dinner-dance benefit to honor the American Ballet Theatre, on March 5, 1984, in Los Angeles, California.

Pilobolus' First NYC Ball

On Monday, July 8 Pilobolus celebrated its first NYC Ball at the Tribeca Rooftop.  And, a pretty cool aspect - the Artistic Collaborators for the event were Penn and Teller.  Founded in 1971, Pilobolus is a modern performance company that performs for stage, television, and online.  The Gala was chaired by Noah Emmerich and was incredibly successful in raising General Operating support for the company.  It was a great way to kick of the company's twenty-seventh season at the Joyce Theater.  Enjoy the Pics Below!

LA Dance Project's Inaugural Gala

On Thursday, June 20th, LA Dance Project celebrated its Inaugural Benefit Gala in Bel-Air.  The event brought in more than 150 supporters for dance and raised $250,000 which will be applied to new work commissions and General Operating Expenses.  Check out pics below to see how some people in Hollywood are supporting dance! To read more about the event, click here.  Enjoy.

Photo Credit Stefanie Keenan

Kate and Laura Mulleavy - Photo Credit Stefanie Keenan

Benjamin and Natalie - Photo Credit Stefanie Keenan

Rashida Jones - Photo Credit Stefanie Keenan

LADP - Photo Credit Stefanie Keenan

Monique Lhuillier - Photo Credit Stephanie Keenan

Aaron Sorkin - Photo Credit Stefanie Keenan

Dance/USA steps out for its annual Honors Celebration

On Thursday, June 13th the Dance/USA membership stepped out to Celebrate its annual Honors Celebration and Cocktail reception in Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.  Within the celebration, three recognitions were made.  One recognition went to Joan Myers Brown for the "honor" recognition for extraordinary leadership within the dance field from her work with her company PHILADANCO to her involvement with the International Association of Blacks in Dance.  The second recognition, or the "Ernie" recognition went to Barbara Weisberger for her work done "behind the scenes" as the founding Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet.  The third and final honor went to Sharon Gersten Luckman.  Sharon served as the Executive Director for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre for 18 seasons and she received the Dance/USA Trustee award.  The evening was a magical celebration of our nation's dance industry leaders and the party was catered by Garces Catering.  Scroll down to take a look at pics from the event.  Enjoy!!     

(L-R) Dance/USA Executive Director Amy Fitterer, Barbara Weisberger, Joan Myers Brown and Sharon Gersten Luckman.  Photo Credit Alexander Izialiaev
 

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 (L-R) Pennsylvania Ballet Executive Director Roy Kaiser and Barbara Weisberger.  Photo Credit Alexander Izialiaev

(L-R) Dance/UP Director Lois Welk and Joan Myers Brown.  Photo Credit Alexander Izialiaev. 

Ella Baff, Michelle Dorrance, Wendy Whelan, and More Step out to Kick-off the 81st Annual Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Celebrated its 81st annual Festival with an opening Gala on Saturday, June 15.  Honorary Co-Chairs for the Season Opening Gala included Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem Virginia Johnson and principal dancer with the New York City Ballet Wendy Whelan.  The evening was filled with performances in the Ted Shawn Theatre by Wendy Whelan and Lloyd Knight of Martha Graham Dance Company; Dancers from DTH; Michelle Dorrance and the students of the Ballet program at Jacob's Pillow.  The event raised a remarkable $411,000 to benefit artists, students and the thousands of visitors who enjoy the Pillow annually. Guests enjoyed two new exhibits curated by Norton Owen and a delicious three course dinner by The Old Inn and Megan Moore. 

PHOTO CAPTION: First Lady Diane Patrick and Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick 

backstage with Jacob’s Pillow Executive and Artistic Director Ella Baff, New York City 

Ballet star Wendy Whelan, soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company Lloyd 

Knight. Photographer Karli Cadel; Courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance

PHOTO CAPTION: First Lady Diane Patrick and Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick 

backstage with 2013 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award Winner Michelle Dorrance. 

Photographer Karli Cadel; courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance

PHOTO CAPTION: Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Trey McIntyre Project 

John Michael Schert, Director of Sunny Artist Management Ilter Ibrahimof, Resident 

Choreographer of Hubbard Street Chicago Alejandro Cerrudo, and Fashion Director of 

Quest Media Daniel Cappello, prior to the Gala performance. Photographer Tina Lane; 

courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance

PHOTO CAPTION: Jacob’s Pillow Board Chair Joan Hunter and New York City Ballet star 

Wendy Whelan under the Gala tent. Photographer Tina Lane; courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow 

Dance

PHOTO CAPTION: Wendy Whelan and Lloyd Knight in Martha Graham’s Canticle for 

Innocent Comedians (1952); Photographer Karli Cadel; Courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance

PHOTO CAPTION: Martin Monas and wife, former New York City Ballet Dancer Teresa 

Reyes during cocktail hour. Photographer Tina Lane; courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance