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

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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