The Stars of New York Dance Shine In Brooklyn

December 6, 2018 by Azriel Wallace

Lenny Green & Migdalia Santiago / photo by Mani Crawford / courtesy of The Stars of NY Dance

Brooklyn is home to many professional dance artists whose lives are dedicated to gracing the stage. It is on that stage that the dancer usually inspires people from other walks of life, to find their own movement. The Stars of New York Dance, founded by Cheryl Todmann, gives opportunity for those same people to finally be in the spotlight. This charitable competition couples dancers from local dance organizations with notable New Yorkers for a shot at the champion title, as well as a $5,000 prize; the winnings are used to provide dance scholarships for low-income youth.

9th Annual Dance Champions Reggie Nance and SynChana Madonna (1)

Dance Champions Reggie Nance and Synchana Madonna /photo by Mani Crawford/ courtesy of The Stars of NY Dance

On November 16th, 2018, Brooklyn came together for the event’s 9th year of creative fellowship. Through song, poetry and dance, Frances Bell Henry and Robert L. Henry (of Frank R. Bell Funeral Home) were beautifully honored as the Stellar Humanitarian Award winners. Bevy Smith of “Bevelations” blessed the audience with her humorous commentary and down-to-earth nature as she co-hosted between the competitors’ performances. LIU’s Kumble Theater was flooded with laughter as the five judges jumped in on the scandalous comedy. The strong sense of community was a feeling that not one person could ignore.

Executive Producer Cheryl Todmann with Honorees Robert L. Henry and Frances Bell Henry- reszied

Cheryl Todmann with Honorees Robert L. Henry and Frances Bell Henry / photo by Mani Crawford / courtesy of The Stars of NY Dance

Finally…the competition began. Katrina Sparks, PhD (star) and James Williams (Uptown Dance Academy) started with a feisty number that got the audience screaming immediately. Henry Butler (star) and Careitha Davis (Cumbe Center for African and Diasporic Dance) brought the dancehall and soca club vibes, and had the audience waving their rags. Couples Lenny Green (star)/Migdalia Santiago (Balmir Latin Dance Studio) and Beast (star)/Rukiya McCormick (Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn) finessed the stage with very smooth, funky and sensual salsa performances. Lesleigh Irish-Underwood (star) and Keon Washington (Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation) presented a socially and politically charged piece surrounding Blackness in America. And last, but not least, champions Reggie Nance (star) and Synchana Madonna (Pure Onyx Movement) illustrated the undeniable romance between a mermaid and a sailor.

The 9th Annual Stars of New York Dance was more than a competition. It was a communion of familiar faces, great talent and beautiful energy. This makes for a great event for families and for lovers of the arts to connect.

Artists on our Radar

Emery Major Brings Colorado to Brooklyn!

Step inside the world of Colorado landscapes with Emery Major, who writes and performs music based in the folk, indie and pop genres. A Colorado native, Major is a folk singer-songwriter whose music is deeply thoughtful and aware of his environment. His songs are not just a feel; they are a location, deeply influenced by his upbringing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado as well as his urban experiences in Nashville, Tennessee and Brooklyn. Over the years, he has defined his storytelling musical persona through performances at prestigious venues and folk festivals across his various homes. Major is known for his perfect blend of the old and new. His style is reminiscent of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor while also resembling the more modern singer-songwriter styles of Jason Mraz, Hunter Hayes, and Ed Sheeran. Relying heavily on the acoustic guitar to accompany his journey, the music and lyrics are tied together in a deeply impactful way, as Major’s soothing voice brings the listener through discussions of layered concepts such as existentialism, personal development, and love. The music production of each song incorporates white noise, three-part harmony, and folk acoustic guitar progressions and harmonics as he slowly engages the listener in passionate stories. In one such song, “It’s okay to be sad,” Major’s powerful dynamics in his voice builds the song to its climax, utilizing both the soothing and stronger aspects of his voice. Major knows who he is as an artist; he has even performed covers such as his latest release, Paramore’s “The Only Exception,” in which he challenges himself by putting a vulnerable, bluegrass spin on the popular record. Major’s career is just beginning, and listeners would be wise to join his promising journey.

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