Dance Works Annual Event Raises Thousands to Help Save Lives

Dance Works held their annual Dance Fundraiser Showcase at Purchase College PAC, SUNY on 3/18. This was a spectacular benefit for The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation's Margaret's Place, March of Dimes and Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade. We estimate a total of $4K raised this season (some donations still coming in through 4/15). We have raised in excess of $75K over the last decade.

Event Producer and Director, Wendy Wood Barletta is the Director of Dance Works, based in Harrison, NY. Her program is in partnership with the Harrison Recreation Department offering classes to the community, many of whom may not be able to afford lessons otherwise. Her B.F.A. in Dance from UMASS 5-College Dance Department and years of experience teaching introduces a warm welcoming and patient atmosphere and provides quality dance education to the community affordably. As if teaching, inspiring and creating dances weren't enough, Wendy wanted to find a way to do what she loves to make a bigger contribution to the world.

Each season, Wendy invites other area dance companies to participate in the fundraiser. This season was no exception with 9 area dance companies and over 100 dancers, approximately 50 from Harrison alone. We had 3 professional companies perform including ASHA Dance Company (NYC), Team Leggoo (CT) and RL Ballet Company (Westchester). The remaining performers came from Dance Works (Harrison), , Magical Movements (Harrison), Dance NYAAD (Bedford), The Isadora Duncan Youth Ensemble (Bedford), Breaking Ground Dance (Pleasantville) and East Pointe Dance (Rye). In the past we have had finalists from So You Think You Can Dance and other accomplished ballet and modern dance companies based in NYC.

"Our annual event celebrates a wonderful day of dance doing what we all love in an effort to give back to the community, raising funds in an effort to help save lives.", Wendy says. The annual showcase always has a broad array of dance styles including modern, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, ballet, irish dance, tap and more, providing entertainment for all.

For those interested in donating to the causes, see links below and copy and paste into your browser for quick, easy and secure on line donations, or contact danceworks2000@aol.com, (914) 714-2131 to learn how you can help or donate by check.

https://www.marchforbabies.org/team/danceworks

www.crowdrise.com/danceworkssa...

Images courtesy Dwayne Taylor Photography