Dancers Raise Funds In Fight Against Domestic Violence

MORICHES, NY — A Long Island-based dance company raised more than $1,000 in the fight against domestic violence.

The SLG Dance Company hosted a virtual charity event on Feb. 25 to benefit L.I. Against Domestic Violence.

The event was planned to mark in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, which takes place in February.

According to Youth.gov, across the country, young people aged 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault.

"Studies show that approximately 10 percent of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner during the previous year," Youth.gov said.

Girls are more apt to suffer long-term impacts after the abuse, including suicide attempts, drug addiction, and eating disorders, Youth.gov said, adding that the patterns of abusive relationships are often carried forward into the future.

With the pandemic putting the brakes on the company's annual show, SLG created a virtual event, which raised the funds.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon spoke at the event, which featured five routines.

"The dances featured in the debut performance, each shining a light on the emotional and physical toll domestic abuse and teen dating violence takes, are powerful, intricate, and passionate," a release said. "They are more than just steps choreographed to music. They are works of art created to teach, enlighten, and evoke an emotional response in the viewers and the performers."

The dancers realized the importance of presenting a show with a purpose, the release said: "They are not leaping and pirouetting for applause but to start a discussion, tell a story, or bring an uncomfortable issue to the forefront," the release said.

Donations are still being accepted here.