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

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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