Parsons Dance Gala Journal 2024

Page 1

Monday, March 25 at 6:30pm

Celebrate with Us!
GALA 2024

Company

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

David Parsons

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rebecca Josue

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Natalie Lomonte

DANCERS

Zoey Anderson

Megan Garcia

Téa Pérez

Luke Romanzi

Joseph Cyranski

Justine Delius

Joanne Hwang

Emerson Earnshaw

Luke Biddinger, Understudy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Yegen, President

Linda Stocknoff, Vice President

Jeff Sidell, Treasurer

Barbara Rohdie, Secretary

Jeffrey Byrne

Melinda DeChiazza Cloobeck

Robert Gross

Linda Lighton

Jamie Metzl

David Parsons

Kat Peeler

Sam C Shulman

Joyce Storey

Dina Zuckerberg

In Memoriam: Howell Binkley

Thank you to our Gala

Co-Chairs

Linda Stocknoff

Joyce Storey

Front and back cover photography: Rachel Neville 2

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

and

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

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 .

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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!

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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,

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This Evening’s Program

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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

The program will run approximately 45 minutes. 7

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.

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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

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Thank You, Parsons Dance, for sharing your life-afrming performances and joy. Parsons Dance at Fire Island Dance Festival by Nina Wurtzel dradance.org

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.

Congratulations to David & on another wonderful year. the Parsons Dancers

Congratulations

TO MARGARET AND JOE. TWO OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS WHO IMPACT THE CAREERS OF DANCERS AND DANCE COMPANIES.

And to David, YOU CONTINUE TO CREATE AND THRILL AUDIENCES ALL OVER THE WORLD.

We are looking forward to being on this journey with you for many more years!

Linda and Morrie

ChitaRiveraAwards.com Tickets on sale now! All proceeds benefit the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation. 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

& the Congratsdancers! to David

A GREAT SEASON OF PERFORMANCES, PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERSHIP

Jeffrey Sidell and Jeffrey Oakes

Congratulations

to David, the dancers, and the staff on a marvelous year!

LINDA LIGHTON & LYNN ADKINS

J
O E ,

J.P Morgan Wealth Management is proud to support

Parsons Dance

We share their commitment to fostering a sustainable appreciation of dance through education, outreach and by bringing life-a ffi rming performances and joy to audiences worldwide

Melinda Cloobeck, AIF Wealth Advisor

925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 405 White Plains, NY 10604

melinda.cloobeck@jpmorgan.com

914.899.5927

AIF: Fi360Inc. ownsand awardsthe certifcation marks “AIF ® ” and “Accredited Investment Fiduciary ® ”. Authorized users of the marks have successfully met requirements for initial certifcation and annual recertifcation.

J.P. MorganWealthManagementisa business ofJPMorganChase & Co., whichofers investment products and services through J.P. MorganSecuritiesLLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insuranceagency, doingbusiness as Chase InsuranceAgency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are afliated companies underthe common control ofJPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available inall states.

©2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

CONGRATULATIONS

OUR ENTHUSIASTIC AND HEARTFELT MARGARET, JOE AND PARSONS DANCE.

WITH ADMIRATION AND AFFECTION, MICHAEL, LAUREN, AND THE ENTIRE DODGER FAMILY

David, Rebecca, Parsons Dance Company and Board,

Congratulations on a phenomenal year! It is truly a pleasure working with each and every one of you. Here’s to another incredible year of partnership and friendship.

-Your Selby Artists/MGMT Team

Photo of company members Téa Pérez, Joanne Hwang, Megan Garcia, Justine Delius by Rachel Neville

More Fun To Come!

The party continues at The Joyce Theater when we return May 14-25 to take the stage with world premieres by David Parsons, Jamar Roberts, and Penny Saunders, along with and , two of David’s most cherished pieces, and a solo created by Robert Battle in 1999 when he was a Parsons dancer!

Check out parsonsdance.org to learn more about the show.

T h a n k y o u , M a r g a r e t a n d J o e , f o r y o u r v i s i o n a n d l e a d e r s h i p . T h e J o y c e T h e a t e r i s p r o u d t o j o i n P a r s o n s D a n c e i n r e c o g n i z i n g M a r g a r e t S e l b y a n d J o e L a n t e r i f o r t h e i r r e m a r k a b l e i m p a c t o n t h e p e r f o r m i n g a r t s .

“A writer's mountain retreat with a cocktail bar & library lounge inspired by the seasonal landscape”

Silent Auction Highlights

Three 1-Hour Private Chess Lessons with Cal Rohdie

Looking to learn chess? Or maybe you’re an avid player seeking to refine your skills?

Enjoy three 1-hour private chess lessons with Cal Rohdie! Cal Rohdie is a student at The New School and a tutor for the prestigious YAACATTACK Chess Academy run by champion Grandmaster Yaccov Norowitz Cal has a 1900 ELO rating He will teach a child or adult in your own home or at an arranged location No matter what level you are, you’ll be sure to take your chess playing to the next level!

Courtesy of Barbara Rohdie

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@lifehousehotels lifehousehotels.com

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

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Silent Auction Highlights

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

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

apply.
of Blue Tree Marketing
Some restrictions
Courtesy
Two Tickets to on Broadway
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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

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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

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Meet The Artists

ZOEY ANDERSON Dancer, Rehearsal Director MEGAN GARCIA Dancer TÉA PÉREZ Dancer DAVID PARSONS Artistic Director NATALIE LOMONTE Associate Artistic Director ELIZABETH KOEPPEN KALOSIEH Rehearsal Director LUKE ROMANZI Dancer JOE CYRANSKI Dancer JUSTINE DELIUS Dancer JOANNE HWANG Dancer EMERSON EARNSHAW Dancer LUKE BIDDINGER Understudy

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

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Congratulations to the Honorees!! Lots of good wishes to Parsons Dancers for a successful season ahead. Maggie & Leon 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.

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