This past Sunday the Dance Connection Competition Team participated in Stars of Tomorrow 2019, a fundraiser to benefit Dancers Responding to AIDS, part of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This annual event has previously raised over $30,000 to help support DRA’s mission to “make sure that those in need have access to lifesaving medications, counseling, healthy meals and emergency financial assistance.”

The event is held at the Concert Hall at the State University of New York’s Purchase College win Purchase, NY. The team arrived in the morning to participate in a Musical Theatre Masterclass with renowned choreographer Billy Griffin, whose performing credits include the Broadway and first national tour productions of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein and White Christmas. That was followed by orientation for all of the different participating schools and finale bows rehearsal. Then the dancers grabbed lunch while waiting to rehearse “Beauty and the Beast” and “Hard Knock Life”, the two chosen numbers for the event.

After rehearsal, everyone got ready for the performance and for the cocktail reception and gift basket auction prior to the performance. Each group participating had donated a themed basket for the auction as well as selling tickets and fundraising to support the event. Dance Connection’s Competition Team was able to raise $2,850 towards this incredibly worthy cause!

The performance that followed in the evening was just a fantastic display of talent from all over New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond! The Competition Team was so happy to be able to perform and to support Thomas (Mr. Teen Dancers Inc.), Miss Emily (Dancers Inc. Dancer of the Year), and Miss Ginger (Regional Representative) as they performed Dancers Inc.’s piece “Another Day of Sun”.

It was a memorable experience for everyone involved. The team made new friends, watched some truly talented dance schools perform and helped to support a wonderful cause.