At Grace to The Rescue, an inaugural dance gala produced by Dance For Paws to be held on June 2 at Symphony Space, a star-studded lineup will perform some of the ballet world’s most iconic works, using the power of dance to raise funds and awareness for homeless animals.
Founded by dancer Sarah Lane, international guest artist and former principal at American Ballet Theatre plus a profound animal lover, all net proceeds from the event will go towards Best Friends Animal Society’s Campaign to Save Them All, the Emma and Georgina Bloomberg AMC to the Rescue Fund, and Muddy Paws Rescue’s foster program.
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“I have danced on stages all over the world and seen first-hand that dance has the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and ignite conversations.
Through Dance for Paws, I’m thrilled to be able to use this art form to make a real difference in the lives of homeless animals.
Our inaugural gala, Grace to the Rescue, is not just about raising funds – it’s about creating a community of people who are passionate about giving these animals a second chance. Together, we can provide them with the care, love, and forever homes they deserve.“
– Sarah Lane, Founder of Dance For Paws
Dance For Paws Grace to the Rescue Program
The Grace to the Rescue program will feature a prestigious roster of artists from renowned companies including American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New Jersey Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Graham 2 performing a repertoire that spans from iconic classics to newer works.
Excerpt from Emeralds
From Jewels
Choreography by George Balanchine
© The George Balanchine Trust
Music by Gabriel Fauré from Pelléas et Mélisande and Shylock
Danced by Baily Jones, Alexa Maxwell & KJ Takahashi
Disconnect
Choreography by Francis Lawrence
Music by Thomas Newman
Danced by Francis Lawrence & Crystal Serrano
Interactions
Choreography by Ingrid Silva
Danced by David Wright & Elias Delano Re
The Winter
(Excerpt from 4 Seasons)
Choreography by Arcadian Broad
Music by Max Richter
Danced by Taylor Sambola Broad & Arcadian Broad
Excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty
Choreography adapted from Marius Petipa
Music by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky
Jewels
Danced by Risa Mochizuki, Catherine Whiting, Denise Parungao
& Eunice Angelica Suba
Bluebird Pas de Deux
Danced by Takumi Miyake & YoonJung Seo
Rich Man’s Frug
Choreography by Andrew Winans
Music by Cy Coleman
Danced by Graceanne Pierce
Pas de Deux TBD
Danced by Devon Teuscher & Aran Bell
White Swan Pas de Deux
From Swan Lake
Danced by Christine Shevchenko & Thomas Forster
Dark Meadow Suite
From Dark Meadow (1946)
Choreography and Costumes by Martha Graham
Arrangement by Janet Eilber, Music by Carlos Chávez†
Danced by Graham 2 Dance Company
On the Water
Choreography by James Whiteside
Danced by Gillian Murphy & James Whiteside
Excerpts from Don Quixote
Choreography by Marius Petipa & Alexander Gorsky
*Classical Couples choreography adapted by Sarah Lane
Music by Ludwig Minkus
Act 3 Pas de Deux
Danced by Jake Roxander & Léa Fleytoux
Flower Girls
*Dance for Paws Performance Award Winners from ADC IBC
Danced by Sakura Natorigawa & Aubrey Daniels
Classical Couples
Danced by Risa Mochizuki, Catherine Whiting, Denise Parungao, Eunice Angelica Suba, Felipe Valentini, Aram Hengen, Michael Santiago Paradiso & Brian Sevilla
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Additionally, attendees will have the chance to meet adoptable pets from Best Friends Animal Society and Muddy Paws Rescue during a sidewalk mini-adoption event taking place from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, one hour before the one-night only performance begins.
VIP ticket holders will have access to a post-performance reception at Symphony Space’s Bar Thalia, where they can meet the performers and learn more about the mission of Dance for Paws.
All ticket purchasers will also be eligible to opt-in for a complimentary one-year membership to Best Friends Animal Society, helping support their continued efforts to save homeless pets nationwide.
Featured Photo of Sarah Lane with her pups Cora and Maya for Dance for Paws. Photo by Kelly Pratt & Ian Kreidich (Dancers & Dogs), courtesy of The PR Social.
