2025 Black & White Gala by Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company

DTSBDC

25/26 SEASON

WHITE BLACK GALA

ABOUT DTSBDC

Now entering its 33rd season, Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC) creates and performs contemporary dance works to celebrate the indomitable American spirit. DTSBDC performances uplift, inspire and bring insights to seasoned dance lovers and new audiences alike.

The Company is a leader in the national movement to collaborate with and perform at visual arts museums, as well as theaters. In 2016, DTSBDC was named the Smithsonian Institution’s first-ever resident dance company. In 2023, the company began a series of new residencies including a yearlong “social impact” residency at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Company has a long history of artistic collaborations and partnerships with other organizations including: NASA, the U.S. State Department, the Mayor’s Office of Asian Pacific Islander Americans, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and more.

DTSBDC has been presented at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, The Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse, the Kreeger Museum, National Gallery of Art, the Noguchi Museum, the United Nations, La MaMa, the Asia Society, the Korean Cultural Center, as well as at the White House at the invitation of President and First Lady Michelle Obama. As a U.S. State Department cultural envoy, DTSBDC has toured extensively internationally, to 5 continents and over 30 countries.

For more information about DTSBDC visit www.dtsbdc.org.

DTSBDC Staff and Board

Leadership

Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Founding Artistic Director

Christine Doyle, Executive Director

Felipe Oyarzun Moltedo, Associate Director

Staff

Bianca DeLille, Development Director

Patch Canada, Public Relations Specialist

Jan Tievsky, Educational Principal

Joan Ayap, Audience Engagement Coordinator

William Robinson, Production Assistant

Isel Perez, Accountant

Max Goldman, Intern

Artists

Anne Sidney, Rehearsal Director

Sarah Halzack, Assistant Rehearsal Director

Judith Hansen, Costume Designer

Sigrid Johannesdottïr, Costume Designer

Millicent Scarlett, Resident Musician

Dana Nichole Scott, Resident Musician

2025-26 DTSBDC Dancers

Natasha Ames

Joan Ayap

Christine Doyle

Tomas Fischer

Trevor Frantz

Felipe Oyarzun Moltedo

William Robinson Baylee Wong

Armani Colón (Apprentice)

Board of Directors

Susan Gigli,

Jan Tievsky,

President

Vice President Erick Hosaka,

Mary Eccles,

Jack Davis

Jameson Freeman

Nicole Hollander

Bonnie Kogod

Ellen Boyers Kwatnoski

Marcia Lim

Leigh Adams Slaughter

Kelly Moss Southall

Treasurer

Secretary

Dana Tai Soon Burgess (Ex-Officio)

Bianca DeLille (Ex-Officio)

Advisory Board

Kay Casstevens

Josue Castilleja

Nicole Colameta

Diane Dragaud

Sara Gay Forden

Sarah Halzack

Joshua Kaufman

Kelly Dinglasan Minton

Mark Ohnmacht

Steve Oshana

Anatol Steck

Lauren Victor Yang-Ro Yoon

Organizational Mentors

Patch Canada

Michael Kaiser

Dancer photos by Matailong Du

Welcome, esteemed guests!

We extend our warmest welcome to the Black and White Gala, an evening dedicated to the celebration of the sublime and timeless art of dance and our beloved dance company.

Tonight, the stark, beautiful contrast of black and white reflects the very essence of movement: the tension between shadow and light, the balance between powerful strength and delicate grace. This duality is where the magic of choreography lives, breathing life into every performance. It is in this same spirit that we celebrate the light and hope—the true color—that art brings to even the darkest moments.

Tonight we celebrate the vibrant future of this Company, ensuring its colors continue to shine brightly for years to come.

Cheers, Black and White Gala Co-Chairs

Bonnie Kogod, Izette Folger, and Kelly Dinglasan Minton

FROM THE FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

On behalf of the entire Company, it is my profound pleasure to welcome you to the Black and White Gala. Your presence tonight is not just an attendance; it is a powerful affirmation of the vital role that dance plays in our community and beyond.

Tonight, we celebrate the incredible journey of creation, artistry, and connection. This past season, our dancers pushed the boundaries of expression, premiered groundbreaking new works, and brought the transformative power of movement to thousands through our mainstage performances and community education programs.

The funds raised at this Gala are the lifeblood of our vision. They allow us to continue our mission of making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Your generosity directly enables the magic you see on stage—and the ripple effect of that art into the world. And, at this particular moment in time, your support is even more important to ensure that dance can be the universal language that builds community, empathy, understanding and connects us together.

Thank you for being our most essential partners. I hope you enjoy the evening we have planned, the delightful company, and the opportunity to celebrate the artform we all love. Let us raise a glass to a vibrant future filled with grace, movement, and shared passion.

With deepest gratitude,

Dana Tai Soon Burgess

PROGRAM

6:30 p.m. – Reception and Silent Auction - Second Floor

Cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, red and white wine, soft drinks, and Tuxedo Martinis

Silent Auction items, featured works by Anna Kang Burgess and Patricia Michaels

7:00 p.m. – Performances - Second Floor Parlor

Excerpts from Picasso Dances

Choreography: Dana Tai Soon Burgess

Dancers: Natasha Ames, Joan Ayap, Tomas Fischer, Felipe Moltedo, William Robinson, and Baylee Wong

Music: Manuel de Falla played by Dana Nichole Scott

Excerpt from Charlie Chan and the Mystery of Love

Choreography: Dana Tai Soon Burgess

Dancers: Christine Doyle and Trevor Frantz

Music: Frank Sinatra played by Dana Nichole Scott

7:30 p.m. – Dinner and Celebration - First Floor Music Room

Recognition of Honorees

Mary Eccles, Cary Fuller, Ellen Kwatnoski, Anne Sidney, and Yang-Ro Yoon

Presented by Bonnie Kogod and Jan Tievsky

** Live music by Dana Nichole Scott **

9:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks

Dana Tai Soon Burgess

SILENT AUCTION

Biid on exclusive items and experiences generously donated by artists and supporters.

Your participation directly supports the mission of the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.

Scan the QR code to view all auction items and place your bids online. Winners will be announced on Monday November 3rd via email.

45 Minute Private Dance Lesson

The top two bidders will each receive a 45-minute session taught by an International Ballroom Champion at the Fred Astaire Palisades studio— perfect for beginners or anyone looking to experience the joy of dance. No partner required.

Original Scarf

Own a one-of-a-kind creation by Patricia Michaels, celebrated Taos Pueblo fashion designer and finalist on Project Runway. Known for her exquisite use of natural materials, fluid designs, and deep connection to Native heritage, Michaels weaves tradition and contemporary artistry into every piece she creates.

New Orleans #1 and New Orleans #2

Own one of Lynn Bregman Blass 10×10 framed mixed media works “New Orleans #1” or “New Orleans #2.” Lynn’s work both as an artist and psychotherapist investigates the way one develops to make sense of life.

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Tempest and Luna Bloom

Own a one of a kind work by Anna Kang Burgess. Anna Kang Burgess (b. 1930- ) was born in Hawaii of Korean parentage in 1930. She was raised on Hawaii’s Del Monte Pineapple Plantation on Oahu. Burgess is considered one of America’s pioneering female Asian American abstract artists.

2 Tickets to DTSBDC at Woolly Mammoth

The top two bidders will each receive two premium tickets to DTSBDC’s Spring 2026 Performance at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Winners will choose their preferred date — April 24–26 or May 1–3, 2026.

Scan the QR Code to view bid on these and more items Bidding closes on November 2nd at 23:59pm

We also invite you to own a piece of the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company’s history. Photographs by Mary Noble Ours and Matailong Du are available for purchase this evening.

Prices are displayed alongside each piece. Payments may be made by credit or debit card and check.

Our team is happy to assist you.

Are you between 21 – 40 years old?

We invite you to join the Diplomats of Dance Society, the young professionals affinity group of the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.

Members enjoy specially curated, exclusive perks, including invitations to private receptions, behind-the-scenes events, and opportunities to engage directly with the company’s artists and creative team.

Scan the QR code to become a member

DONOR LISTING

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following corporations, foundations, goverment agencies, and individuals who supported Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company during our 24-25 season.

Major Supporters

$51,000-150,000

DC Commision on the Arts and Humanities

The National Endowment for the Arts

$20,000-50,000

The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation

Patch Canada*

March Forth Foundation

Maryland Youth Ballet*

Philip L. Graham Fund

$5,000-19,000

Committee for the Future

Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

Mary Eccles

Eric Naison-Phillips Family Foundation

Fulbright Scholars

Cary Fuller

Elizabeth Wilson Harter

JBG Smith

Ellen Kwatnoski

Microsoft

Morningstar Foundation

Katia Norri

Teresa Saavedra

The Share Fund

Jan and Seth Tievsky

Heinz and Liselotte Nehring Stiftung Foundation

Winged Keel Group

$500-4,000

Anonymous (3)

John Ashford

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Anna Kang Burgess

Ian Tai Kyung Burgess

Jason and Melissa Burnett

Jane Cafritz

Michael Caplin

Alan Cariaso

Kay Casstevens

Cherry Blossom Giving Circle

Claudia de Colstoun-Werebe

Laurie Davis and Joseph Sellers

Bianca DeLille

Diane Dragaud

FBB Capital Partners

David Fischer and Joy Kassett

Izette and Neil Folger

Jameson Freeman and Dana Tai Soon Burgess

Mary A. Gifford

Susan Gigli

Ross Goldman

Google

Sarah Halzack

Sergio Herrera and Kelly Southall

Wayne Hickory

Celia Hoke

Nicole Hollander

Erick Hosaka

Jill and Bill Hudock

Janice Kaplan

Roxane Kaufmann and Neal Fitzpatrick

Lisa Kaye

Rebecca Klemm

Bonnie Kogod

Richard Kwatnoski

Marcia Lim

Barbara and Robert Liotta

Elizabeth McCallum

Laura McDonald

Alanna McKee

Kelly Dinglasan Minton and Joel Minton

Felipe Moltedo

Elvi Moore

Judith Viggers Nordin

Mark Ohnmacht

Dr. Susan Ohnmacht

Eser Ozdeger

Stacey Perelman

Young-Key Kim and Bertrand Renaud

Sheri and Robert Rosenfeld

Joan and Berry Rosenthal

Stephanie Rosenthal and Scott Meisler

Stuart Ross and Patricia Devine

Eric San Juan and Jack Davis

Ben Sanders

Marian and Neel Saxena

Scout Properties

Leigh Slaughter

Steve Slaughter

Arnie Stolberg

Peter and Judith Storandt

Aaron Tievsky and Frank Delaney

Maida R. Withers

Barrie Zucal

We appreciate and acknowledge our donors who give between $25-499

*Denotes in-kind services

Every contribution makes a significant difference. Together, we can make our 2026 season the most impactful yet.

D A N A T A I S O O N B U R G E S S D A N C E C O M P A N Y

M A R Y L A N D

Y O U T H B A L L E T

Maryland Youth Ballet is one of the country’s finest schools of classical ballet Located in downtown Silver Spring, MYB offers year-round classes for children, youth, pre-professionals & adults (Ages 2-80+). Exceptional training, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facility, and professional-caliber performance opportunities.

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Photography Classes

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