Celebrate with Us!
Monday, March 25 at 6:30pm
Gala 2024
H O N O R I N G
J o e L a n t e r i
F o u n d e r a n d E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r
N e w Y o r k C i t y D a n c e A l l i a n c e F o u n d a t i o n
E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r S t e p s O n B r o a d w a y
M a r g a r e t S e l b y
P r e s i d e n t S e l b y / A r t i s t s M G M T 3 and
In recognition of Joe’s
p a s s i o n a t e d e d i c a t i o n t o s t r e n g t h e n i n g o u r
c o m m u n i t y b y p r o v i d i n g g u i d a n c e , t r a i n i n g ,
e d u c a t i o n a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s
f o r e m e r g i n g a r t i s t s t o p u r s u e t h e i r
l o v e o f d a n c e .
In recognition of Margaret’s
s t e a d f a s t c o m m i t m e n t t o a r t i s t s a n d h e r
e x t r a o r d i n a r y e f f o r t s t o c o n n e c t t h e m t o
a u d i e n c e s w h o v a l u e w h a t t h e y d o . W e
c h e r i s h h e r l o n g s t a n d i n g a d v o c a c y f o r
P a r s o n s D a n c e .
Executive Director’s Message
To Our Beloved Gala Guests:
Thank you for celebrating with us this evening as we honor Margaret Selby and Joe Lanteri, two dance advocates whose commitment to aspiring and established artists and to the audiences who cherish them has helped sustain us for many years. Parsons Dance is grateful for the hard work and kind support of these two mainstays of our community.
Since 2010 when I began working with Parsons Dance, I have been incredibly fortunate to have people like Margaret and Joe on board A great reason why our company has kept going for nearly 40 years is because of their partnership, and their enduring belief that dance is an essential part of our cultural landscape. Luckily for me, many others share their vision. I am incredibly thankful to our Board of Directors for guiding us with insight and generosity and to our patrons,
presenters, friends, foundations and fellow artists who encourage us to create new work and attract enthusiastic dancers.
So far, 2023/2024 has been an exciting and productive time as we have been strategizing for our future, carefully planning investments in our company’s infrastructure both to preserve our legacy and support and expand our artistic workforce We have named former Parsons Dancer Natalie Lomonte as Associate Artistic Director. We have also been privileged to offer commissions to talented choreographers like Jamar Roberts and Penny Saunders, whose pieces will premiere during our Joyce Theater season this May.
And then there’s David. The premiere of his new work, Shape of Us, also taking place at The Joyce this spring, marks a joyous milestone as it will be his 100th dance in the company’s repertory Since 1987 when he co-founded
Parsons Dance with Howell Binkley, David has been a thoughtful leader and someone who really knows how to guide a team. Throughout the years, he has always captivated audiences, and all of us, with his perfect timing and amazing spirit
Thank you again for joining us tonight. We treasure your devotion to Parsons Dance and are delighted to have you here
Cheers to a wonderful night!
Rebecca Josue Executive Director
Artistic Director’s Message
Dear Friends,
Thank you for attending our 2024 Gala It means a great deal to have you here this evening as we, celebrate the joy of dance with so many artists, colleagues, and supporters. My deep appreciation goes out to our Board of Directors whose profound generosity and tireless commitment continually motivates us to perform.
Tonight, we are pleased to honor Margaret Selby and Joe Lanteri, two powerhouses of the dance community. As President of Selby Artists/MGMT, Margaret is devoted to promoting choreographers, managing dance companies and theatrical events, and supporting performances and touring throughout the world. For more than 20 years, she has been an essential part of the Parsons Dance business model. One of the things I cherish most about her is the energy that she brings to every conversation we have about programs and
places. Together we always find a clear path to move forward, one that works for our company and for the presenters and audiences whom we seek to attract
Joe Lanteri is constantly acknowledged for his amazing contribution to dance as a director, producer, dancer, teacher, mentor, and entrepreneur. Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was his role in founding and directing the New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA), and then the NYCDA Foundation, an organization offering scholarships that enable emerging dancers to train in college dance programs On a more personal note, Joe has long provided a pipeline of talent for Parsons Dance. He is so connected to young talented artists that a call to him almost always results in something good - Joe has the ability to recognize talent when he sees it.
I want to remind you that our annual Joyce Theater season takes place from
May 14-25. At that time, you will not only be treated to a program of company favorites; you will have the chance to see our dancers perform three world premieres my latest work, along with new works created by Penny Saunders and Jamar Roberts, two of the hottest choreographers around Tonight, you will be treated to special preview performances of excerpts from each of these dances before we unveil them at The Joyce.
Thank you again for joining tonight’s party We treasure your support and love sharing more good times with you.
Yours,
David Parsons Artistic Director
Opening Remarks
Linda Stocknoff and Joyce Storey
Artistic Director’s Welcome
David Parsons
Dance Performance
Excerpt of Juke by Jamar Roberts
Music: Miles Davis
Lighting: Christopher S. Chambers
Costumes: Christine Darch
Dancers: Megan Garcia, Téa Pérez, Luke Romanzi, Joseph Cyranski, Justine Delius, Joanne Hwang, Luke Biddinger
Video: Honoring Joe Lanteri
Honoree Presentation for Joe Lanteri
Dance Performance
Excerpt of Thick As Thieves by Penny Saunders
Music: Commissioned Score by Michael Wall
Lighting: Christopher S. Chambers
Costumes: Barbara Erin Delo
Dancers: Megan Garcia, Téa Pérez, Luke Romanzi, Joseph Cyranski, Justine Delius, Joanne Hwang, Emerson Earnshaw
Video: Honoring Margaret Selby
Honoree Presentation for Margaret Selby
Dance Performance
Excerpt of Shape Of Us by David Parsons
Music: Son Lux
Lighting: Christopher S Chambers
Costumes: Christine Darch
Dancers: Megan Garcia, Téa Pérez, Luke Romanzi, Joseph Cyranski, Justine Delius, Joanne Hwang, Emerson Earnshaw, Luke Biddinger
HONOREE Joe Lanteri
ld, including director, r Renowned for his talent, Joe Lanteri has s and accolades have Joe as one of the most ransitions For Dancers in 2014, Dance Studio d,” acknowledging his oe with the prestigious
Director of Steps on onal training center. His dynamic teaching style and innovative choreography have been instrumental in shaping the jazz dance scene in the city With a tenure spanning decades at Steps on Broadway and 27 years on the faculty of The Juilliard School, Joe’s influence extends far beyond New York’s borders. He has shared his expertise as a guest faculty member at esteemed international arts centers in Mexico, Japan, Italy, and Denmark
A passionate advocate for dance education, Joe is the Founder and Executive Director of New York City Dance Alliance, tirelessly traveling the country with dance workshops, scholarship opportunities, and competitions to nurture aspiring dancers and uncover emerging talent In 2010, Joe established the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, providing vital support to gifted teenagers pursuing their passion for the performing arts. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to approximately 500 dancers, many of whom have gone on to join prestigious college programs nationwide.
Joe’s commitment to recognizing excellence in dance extends to his role as Executive Producer and Director of the Chita Rivera Awards, the premier annual celebration of dance on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in film. He also served as director for The Fred & Adele Astaire Awards for over a decade As a Director and Choreographer, Joe has curated numerous live industrial shows and special events, with his choreography showcased across various platforms, from soap operas to MTV, Off-Broadway to Lincoln Center, and stages worldwide, including in Thailand, South Africa, Japan, and Turkey.
8
Photo: Jayme Thornton Photography
Margaret Selby HONOREE
Selby Artists Management and Selby zing exceptional talent, she has worked harp, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Mark Morris, current roster is comprised of some of uding Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Ballets Dancers, Complexions Contemporary ergio Bernal Dance Company, and Turn It Out With Tiler Peck & Friends. Her extensive experience supporting performances and touring throughout the world makes her a valued partner for artists and presenters alike.
Selby’s many accomplishments include producing the first Off-Broadway hip hop musical, Jam on the Groove with the Rock Steady Crew, which earned a Drama Desk Award Nomination and toured internationally. She toured the Tony Award winning Broadway production of Fela! across the United States and to London’s Sadler’s Wells, and The Holland Festival A special concert version of Fela! was featured in the Adelaide Festival, the Auckland Festival, Kennedy Center, Central Park, Saratoga Performing Arts, and House of Blues Boston. The production continues to tour today. For over 15 years she has been touring the Tony Award winning production Slava’s Snowshow throughout North and South America Most recently, she produced Blackstar Symphony, David Bowie’s final album reimagined for a 65-piece orchestra and the highly acclaimed Turn It Out With Tiler Peck & Friends in London and the United States.
As a filmmaker, Selby has earned a Peabody for Everybody Dance Now and two Emmy Awards for her special Two by Dove on PBS’s Great Performances: Dance in America. She also produced and directed Chuck Jones: Extremes and In-Betweens -A life in Animation for which she procured the financing and participation of A-list talent such as Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Spielberg, John Lassiter, Ron Howard and Matt Groening
Selby has also worked on live, series and special TV production, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Daytime Emmys for NBC and CBS as well as projects for A&E, Lifetime, Warner Brothers, SONY, BBC, USA Networks, The Children’s Television Network (now Sesame Workshop), and Great Performances: Dance in America on PBS
Photo: Michael Benabib
Margaret,
From taking dance classes together to creating our own routines all over the house, we always knew you were going to do big things in the dance world. We are SO proud of you and can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than our Sister.
-Betty
Camissa and Susie Ciambra
Congratulations to David &
the Parsons Dancers
on another wonderful year.
Recognizing dance and choreographic excellence on Broadway, O -Broadway and in Film. MAY 20, 2024
7:30 PM NYU Skirball Center
FOR MARGARET SELBY AND JOE LANTERI:
TERRIFIC AND TIRELESS DANCE PARTNERS AND PARTNERS IN DANCE.
THANKS FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND INCREDIBLE WORK!
THE PARSONS DANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Congratulations to David, the dancers, and the staff on a marvelous year!
LINDA LIGHTON & LYNN ADKINS
O E ,
OUR ENTHUSIASTIC AND HEARTFELT
CONGRATULATIONS
MARGARET, JOE AND PARSONS DANCE.
WITH ADMIRATION AND AFFECTION, MICHAEL, LAUREN, AND THE ENTIRE DODGER FAMILY
Photo of company members Téa Pérez, Joanne Hwang, Megan Garcia, Justine Delius by Rachel Neville
Silent Auction Highlights
BBQ with Chef David Parsons and the Company in Joyce Storey’s Backyard
Looking to fire up your grilling? Enjoy a BBQ with our very own Chef Dave Parsons and the company The perfect experience for any longtime Parsons fan, this festive event will allow you to see Dave in action onstage the grill stage that is! Spend time with our company in this never-before offered EXCLUSIVE experience for you and up to 20 guests. BBQ to be held in Parsons Board Member Joyce Storey's beautiful urban garden, located in Harlem
Spring has come to the High Line! Take a private two-hour tour with Official Docent Barbara Rohdie
Private Tour of the High Line for Up to 12 People
Courtesy of Barbara Rohdie
Silent Auction Highlights
Two Tickets to on Broadway
Watch the Best College Athletes Compete at Your Choice of an Exciting Football, Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse or Baseball Game Including NCAA Bowl Games and PostSeason Basketball Tournaments with Basic Tickets for Two Days & One Night
Some restrictions apply. Courtesy of Blue Tree Marketing
Calling all college sports fans! From touch-downs to hat-tricks, goals to baskets, balls to pucks, and bats to hoops, this is a fantastic opportunity to go to your choice of regular season games and postseason tournaments
Silent Auction Highlights
Silent Auction Highlights
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders, scenic ancient ruins, soaring cliffs, charming people, inspired art, superb food, tangy tequila, and parties along the playa in Mexico!
Soak Up the Blue Water and Beaches of Bolongo Bay in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands for Five Days & Four Nights at the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort for Two in an Oceanview Room.
Slip on your flip flops, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to chill out and have fun at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands! This casual all-inclusive beach resort, tucked away in a cove on the beautiful Bolongo Bay, is the perfect place for good times with great people!
Choose the Majesty of Mexico With a Stay in Your Choice of Cabo San Lucas, Nuevo Vallarta, Acapulco, Riviera Maya/Cancun, Mexico for Eight Days & Seven Nights at a Four or Five Star Resort for Two
Some restrictions apply Courtesy of Blue Tree Marketing
Some restrictions apply Courtesy of Blue Tree Marketing
Silent Auction Highlights
Silent Auction Highlights
Swing or Surf in Playa Herradura or Playa Hermossa, Costa Rica for Seven Days & Six Nights at a Private Villa for Up to Eight People
Spend the day doing a canopy tour over the jungle or strap in and rappel down one of the many beautiful waterfalls just minutes from your house.
Some restrictions apply Courtesy of Blue Tree Marketing
Two Weeks in a Parisian Studio Apartment
Enter through a handsome courtyard to spend two stylish weeks in an apartment located in Paris’ historic Marais district, just off the beautiful and fashionable Place des Vosges and near the famed Bastille, site of Paris’ new opera house This glamorous apartment is located in one of the district’s oldest “hotels” and has been featured in the Rizzoli book, The Decorator and Interior Design Magazine
Courtesy of Ronald Bricke
Dancer
Dancer
Understudy
LUKE ROMANZI Dancer
JOE CYRANSKI Dancer
JUSTINE DELIUS Dancer
JOANNE HWANG
EMERSON EARNSHAW
LUKE BIDDINGER
Upcoming Performances
See Parsons Dance on the road this spring and during our annual New York City season in May:
Galveston, TX
The Grand 1894 Opera House | April 6
New Orleans, LA
Mahalia Jackson Theater | April 20
Detroit, MI
Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts | April 28
New York, NY
The Joyce Theater | May 14 - 25
Becket, MA
Jacob’s Pillow | August 7 - 11
Donate to Parsons Dance
Photo of company members Luke Romanzi and Zoey Anderson by Rachel Neville
To Our Dancers
Thanks for always displaying the extraordinary technical skill that captivates audiences everywhere. We toast your fabulous energy and love of dance.
The mission of Parsons Dance is to bring life-a rming performances and joy to audiences worldwide and, through education and outreach programs, to sustain an appreciation for dance. We embrace the power of a diverse and inclusive company to enhance
awareness and empathy, engage with audiences of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, lift us as individuals and bring us together. We envision a more positive, creative, and welcoming world because of our art.