"Dancing to Live" Returns to Nichols School
Neglia Ballet Artists is proud to present Dancing to Live, a mixed repertoire ballet performance and fundraiser, on May 26th, 2016. This annual event benefits the TargetCancer Foundation’s innovative cholangiocarcinoma and esophageal cancer research along with Neglia Ballet’s CityDance programs and performance season. A cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Current Catering, a silent auction, and dancer meet-and-greet will accompany the performance. Now in its third year, this innovative collaboration celebrates life and the love of dance in Buffalo.
Last year’s Dancing to Live drew glowing reviews from The Buffalo News critic Steve Sucato who lauded the mixed repertoire performance as a “bold and invigorating” and “brilliantly danced.” This year’s star-studded production promises to be just as brilliant with new performances by Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys from Festival Ballet of Providence, and Yumelia Garcia and Lucas Segovia of The Joffrey Ballet, among others. Audience members will enjoy a program ranging from classical ballet favorites to cutting edge contemporary works. The highlight of this year’s “Dancing to Live” performance is new piece created by acclaimed choreographer Viktor Plotnikov. This debut marks the first-ever collaboration between Plotnikov, dancer Sergio Neglia, and master puppeteer Michele Costa.
Viktor Plotnikov in rehearsal with Silvina Vaccarelli
“Viktor’s work is challenging and beautiful” says Neglia. “He is on his way to becoming one of the world’s great choreographers.” The new piece promises to showcase Neglia’s vibrant personality, with a nod to his Argentinian roots. Custom designed and intricately crafted puppets created and brought to life by Michele Costa will accompany Neglia. Costa’s work, a staple of the western NY arts scene, has previously been seen in Neglia Ballet Artists productions of “Baba Yaga” and “The Nutcracker.”
Neglia Ballet was founded in 1994 by Buffalo native Heidi Halt and renowned dancer Sergio Neglia to bring world-class ballet to Buffalo. Over the past two decades, Neglia has brought unparalleled dance performances to western New York, including many in collaboration with Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. TargetCancer was founded by Buffalo native, Nichols School alumnus and friend of Neglia Ballet, the late Paul Poth, who was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma at the age of 38. This joint effort by both organizations was inspired by Paul’s love for dance, his passion for life, and his lifelong support of the performing arts.
Dancing to Live is not just a fundraiser and performance—it is a celebration of life!
Thursday, May 26th
6:00 pm
Nichols School Flickinger Performing Arts Center
1250 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY
Tickets start at $75 per person or $125 for a couple and may be purchased online here.
