Tuesday, May 13 7:00 pm
Gala Co-Chairs
Front cover photography: Rachel Neville 2
Linda Stocknoff
Joyce Storey
James Lemons Executive Director
Jon Donk Managing Director
Executive Director’s Message
A Message From Parsons Dance
Thank you for being with us this evening as we honor The Lake Placid Center for the Arts for its role in presenting superb performing arts and outreach programs that enrich and educate artists and audiences throughout the Adirondack region and beyond.
For the past four years, Parsons Dance has been fortunate to have had a very special relationship with LPCA as it has welcomed our company into what is an extraordinarily beautiful and generous community.
Under the remarkable leadership of Executive Director James Lemons and Managing Director Jon Donk, LPCA has supported us by providing such amenities as rehearsal space and access to its staff and facilities. Without the resources provided by LPCA, Parsons Dance would not be able to carry out its commissioning initiatives, one of our top artistic priorities. In short, James and Jon have become great
friends, and LPCA is our creative home away from home!
Since 1987 when David Parsons and Howell Binkley founded Parsons Dance, we have cherished friendships with so many people like James and Jon. We are grateful to our Board of Directors, patrons, presenters, foundations, and dancers who continually help us move forward with all we do.
So far, 2024/2025 has been a banner year for Parsons Dance, marked by significant opportunities for us to perform internationally and at home. We are grateful that over 50,000 people have seen a Parsons Dance show this year. Highlights include a fiveweek tour across Italy and a return to Brazil for the first time in twelve years; a return to Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival for the first time in twenty-five years; and first-time appearances at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre and the Los Angeles Music Center.
This year, along with the energy we’ve put into
performing in marvelous places like these, we have also committed ourselves to developing pathways for the future that preserve the Parsons Dance legacy; nurture and support our artistic workforce; and audiences for modern dance through educati outreach. I am deeply grateful to our fabulous Board of Directors and advisers who have inspired me to find new ways for us to come together and focus on the longevity of Parsons Dance
Thank you again for being here. We are so grateful to have you, our core group of friends, supporting us tonight.
Rebecca Josue Executive Director
Dear Supporters of Parsons Dance,
Thank you for attending our 2025 Gala. Your friendship sustains us as we work together to ensure that Parsons Dance continues to be part of the vibrant community that appreciates dance. I am especially grateful to our Board of Directors, a group of special people whose generous spirit keeps the organization afloat. Thank you for encouraging so many others to embrace your devotion to Parsons Dance.
Tonight, we are honoring The Lake Placid Center for the Arts, represented here by Executive Director James Lemons and Managing Director Jon Donk, who have done so much to forge a partnership with Parsons Dance, one allowing us to create new work, rehearse,
Artistic Director’s Message
reside, and perform in a spectacular setting. I value their commitment to the arts and treasure them as colleagues and friends.
Speaking of Lake Placid, I also want to take this opportunity to share the news that I am developing my latest work. I am taking Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, music that I have always revered, and tackling a piece for nine dancers. This yet to be named work will be the last piece on the program when it premieres at The Lake Placid Center for the Arts on August 30, 2025.
Parsons Dance’s August appearance is significant not only because it marks the final performance at the theater before a massive renovation begins, but also because the Beethoven work will be first on the
program when the theater re-opens and Parsons Dance is the first company to take the stage. Simply put, The Lake Placid Center for the Arts will close and open with Beethoven!
Thank you again for your support and for joining tonight’s party. Here’s to many more great celebrations with you!
David Parsons Artistic Director
Photo: Rachel Neville
This Evening’s Program
Opening Remarks
Linda Stocknoff and Joyce Storey
Artistic Director’s Welcome and Dancer Introduction
David Parsons
Dinner is served
Executive Director’s Remarks
Rebecca Josue
Video: Honoring Lake Placid Center for the Arts
James Lemons and Jon Donk Honoree Presentation
Video: Parsons Dancers
Paddle Raise
Dessert is served
Dancing
Lake Placid Center for the Arts
This Evening’s Honoree
Since its founding in 1972, Lake Placid Center for the Arts has presented high caliber arts programming against the stunning backdrop of the Adirondack Park of Northern New York. Dedicated to presenting and fostering programs that inspire enrich, educate, and entertain people of all ages, LPCA has worked diligently to deliver this vision through exhibits, performances, studio and other education programs, in its own facilities and through collaborations with schools and other arts organizations.
Its devotion to cultivating a vibrant arts community, stimulating artistic excellence and encouraging the exchange of ideas has established its position as a generous and impassioned leader of the performing arts.
James Lemons has held the position of Executive Director of Lake Placid Center for the Arts since 2013. Under his guidance, LPCA has revitalized its Presenting Programs, Arts Education Activities, and Visual Arts Programs, as well as its new Services to Artists and Organizations program. In 2016, James spearheaded the creation of Gallery 46, a Lake Placid visual arts gallery that has sold more than 10,000 works of Adirondack artists.
During his career, James has served as a moderator, speaker and panelist for such organizations as Association of Presenting Arts Professionals, PEA Southwest and the Adirondack Nonprofit Network.
Jon Donk Managing Director
Jon Donk’s commitment to the arts began in his teens in Ithaca, New York, when he spent time interning at a local theater. After attending Montserrat College of Art, he joined the staff of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts while freelancing as a theater technician and designer throughout New York. He then returned to Ithaca to work as Audiences Services Director of the Hangar Theatre. Next, he went on to become the Development Director of Florida Studio Theatre.
James Lemons Executive Director
He has also functioned as a grant reviewer for the New York State Council of the Arts, CNY Arts, Essex County Arts Alliance, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He is Vice-Chair for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and is a Council Member of the New York State Council on the Arts.
Before taking on the role of LPCA’s Executive Director, James served as the General Manager of Sarasota’s Florida Studio Theatre and the Associate Artistic Director and Communications Manager for Addison, Texas’s WaterTower Theatre.
Throughout his career, Jon has worked to find the intersection between visual and performing arts, an interest that was on display when he teamed up with James Lemons to launch Lake Placid Center for the Arts’ Gallery 46. Today, Jon continues his role as the curator of Gallery 46, while currently serving as LPCA’s Managing Director.
TO JAMES,
JON, AND THE ENTIRE
TEAM AT THE LAKE PLACID CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Thank you for your incredible friendship and partnership with Parsons Dance!
THE PARSONS DANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
to the Parsons Dancers!
-Chris & Lonna Yegen
Photo: Rachel Neville
BRAVO Zoey
Congrats to David & the dancers!
We celebrate our fourth season of performances, programming and partnership.
Jeffrey Sidell and Jeffrey Oakes
Wishing you a joyous anniversary as you celebrate ten incredible years with Parsons Dance!
Your dedication and passion have truly brought magic to the stage and inspired so many around you. It’s a remarkable journey, lled with creativity, growth, and unforgettable moments. May this milestone be a reminder of all the beauty you’ve shared and the countless memories yet to come.
Here’s to many more years of dance, joy, and success!
Dear Zoey, Much love,
Congratulations
With heartfelt thanks from the Parsons dancers.
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, CFP®, AIF® Wealth Advisor
925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 405 White Plains, NY 10604
melinda.cloobeck@jpmorgan.com 914.899.5927
CFP Board owns the marks CFP ® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the U.S. Fi360 Inc. owns and awards the certifcation marks “AIF ® ” and “Accredited Investment Fiduciary ® ”. Authorized users of the marks have successfully met requirements for initial certifcation and annual recertification.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which ofers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (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 insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency 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 under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states. ©2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.
Parsons Dance by Nina Wurtzel
Celebrating your 10 years with Parsons Dance — it's been a true joy to witness. Here's to a decade of brilliance and many more to come. Robert Schulman
Photo: Rachel Neville 25
Be sure to catch David at 11:45am at 17th Street and Sixth Avenue when he takes part in a ribbon cutting ceremony before he makes it to The Joyce for the Parsons Dance 2pm Family Matinee, always a highlight of our run!
Silent Auction Highlights
Five Fall Nights at a Vail Home with Art & Adventure
Spend quality time at this beautiful five bedroom home that sits on a mountain with beautiful views, just a five minute drive into Vail Village. Date restrictions apply.
Package includes an adventure consultation and Aspen Art Museum Membership.
Explore the Berkshires while staying at this boutique hotel in the center of the historic Lenox Village.
Package includes a two-night stay, $100 dining credit, admission for two to the Norman Rockwell Museum, and two tickets to a Shakespeare & Company 2025 season production
Relax in Lake Placid: Stay at Mirror Lake Inn, Breakfast For Two, and Skyline Sips
Escape to the pristine wilderness of Upstate New York!
Four Tickets to Amateur Night at The Apollo
Take a private two-hour tour with Official Docent Barbara Rohdie, a cherished Parsons Dance Board member. Berkshires Bliss: Boutique Hotel, Art, and Theater!
Be part of one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences attracting performers and audiences throughout the world in a classic talent competition. Valid May/June 2025.
Exclusive House Seats to Broadway Shows
Private Tour of The High Line (Up to 12 people)
Private Harp Concert For Up To 20 People, With Hors d'oeuvres And A Champagne Toast
Enjoy an exclusive private concert at our Music in the Woods studio in Stamford, CT. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to immerse yourself in beautiful music, this experience is a unique and memorable way to connect with friends and the arts in a warm, welcoming setting.
Taylor's Cowboy Boots
Rios of Mercedes Stringray Cowboy Boots Size 9.5
Autographed Pair of Shoes Designed by Donovan Mitchell - In Your Size!
Mitchell collaborated with Adidas to create a line that’s as bold and dynamic as his game.
Scan to view our complete auction Bidding ends May 20*
*Select item bids end on Gala night.
Special thanks to the organizations and individuals who generously contributed to our Silent Auction.
Elizabeth
Photo: Rachel Neville
Education & Outreach
Celebrating 2025 moments
Our fourth annual partnership with Ballet Tech and Battery Playscape for About Sprouts.
Participating in The Music Center’s Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival in LA, reaching 13,000 5 grade students. th Parsons Dance annual Summer Intensive, taking place June 16-28 at Marymount Manhattan College.
Working closely with the students from PS75 from January-March.
Masterclasses in Lake Worth, FL, Chicago, IL, Lincoln, NE, Irvine, CA, and more on our U.S. tour!
Meet The Artists
ZOEY ANDERSON Dancer
MEGAN GARCIA ZIMINSKI Dancer, Rehearsal Director
TÉA PÉREZ Dancer
DAVID PARSONS Artistic Director
NATALIE LOMONTE Associate Artistic Director
ELIZABETH KOEPPEN KALOSIEH Rehearsal Director
LUKE ROMANZI Dancer
EMERSON
LUKE BIDDINGER
GABRIELLE DINIZO
JOANNE HWANG Dancer
JOE CYRANSKI Dancer
JUSTINE DELIUS Dancer
Upcoming Performances
See Parsons Dance on the road this spring and summer!
Philadelphia, PA
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts | May 30-31
Westhampton Beach, NY
The Westhampton Beach Project | July 26
Lake Placid, NY
Lake Placid Center for the Arts | August 30
Donate to Parsons Dance
We are grateful for your extraordinary artistry and endless passion for dance. Thanks for all you do to bring joy to audiences throughout the world.
The mission of Parsons Dance is to bring lifeaffirming 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.
