Purelements Students Perform in Stars of New York
Bed-Stuy's own Colvin Grannum, president and CEO of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, brought home the first-place trophy last night at "The Stars of New York Dance" competition in Brooklyn.
Grannum joined four other local "stars" from across New York City, all of whom put on their dancing shoes to raise money for at-risk children. The fundraiser event was held at the New York City Marriott in Brooklyn, and was an ode to the popular "Dancing With The Stars" television show, minus the über celebrity cachet, but with all of the excitement, hoopla and applause.
Last night's dancing stars were Letitia James, New York City Councilmember, 35th District; Colvin W. Grannum; Kym Hampton, WNBA legend; Kenneth A. Smaltz, president and CEO of K. Smaltz, Inc.; and Jocelyn R. Taylor, president and CEO of JRT Multimedia, LLC.
"The Stars of New York Dance seeks to challenge and overcome the negative effects that plague at-risk children from underserved New York City neighborhoods," said Cheryl Todmann, the event's founder and organizer. "Our goal is to raise scholarship funds to increase [underserved children's] access to dance and the arts."
New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio made an early appearance, opening with a dance with his wife Chirlane McCray. Al Sharpton later addressed the crowd offering up some fancy footwork with his daughter Dominique Sharpton to "Poppa's Got a Brand New Bag," by James Brown. And Grammy Award-winning artist Gordon Chambers performed.
Each New York star was partnered with a professional dancer-teacher of a community-based dance organization. For months, they practiced their routines after work and on weekends to prepare for the competition.
"Everyone needs to every once in a while, step out of one's comfort zone and do something that makes them feel uncomfortable; it's the only way to know that you're still alive," said Smaltz. "If by doing that, I can also make a difference in a child's life, then I'm prepared to dance to the drummer's beat!"
From West African to Samba to Modern to Jazz, these local celebrities rocked, swayed and twirled their hearts out, in good humor and for a good cause.
James was supported by Jamel Gaines, artistic director for Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn; Grannum was supported by Shani M. Worrell, dancer and vocalist for the Restoration Youth Arts Academy; Hampton was supported by Lakai Worrell, co-executive artistic director ofPurelements; Smaltz was supported by Lauren Deveaux, dancer with Asase Yaa African-American Dance Theatre and featured performer in Fela on Broadway; and Taylor was supported by Corey Baker of Ballet Noir.
A few of the jumps and airlifts caused some nail-biting moments. Kym Hampton kicked out of her heels to avoid any slips. But Tish James won the biggest "uh-oh" moment, when the shoulder strap on her dress snapped during a floor slide. She handled the "wardrobe malfunction" with total grace, continuing to dance while holding on to her dress and covering up with her black feather stole.
The dancing pairs were evaluated by a panel of four esteemed judges, including George Faison, award-winning choreographer of the Wiz, director and choreographer Obediah Wright, Gordon J. Campbell, president and CEO of United Way of New York City, Terrie M. Williams of the Terrie Williams Agency and Lydia Dugue instructor at Restoration's Youth Arts Academy.
In the end, the playful and brassy routine of Colvin Grannum and Shani Worrell won over the judges (and the crowd), earning a perfect score of 10, across the board. Grannum will receive a $5,000 donation towards the Restoration Youth Arts Academy.
"I'm so excited. I think everyone is," said Peggy Alston, director of the Restoration Youth Arts Academy of Grannum's win. "He worked hard. This morning, we were in a meeting, and he was another person. He was so serious and on the case, totally committed to what he was doing to advance the corporation. To see him win tonight and have fun… He is so deserving."
"I'm naturally reserved, but I like to party and have a good time too," said Grannum. "This was invigorating. It made me get in touch with my body. I had a lot of fun."
The crowd had fun also, watching a rare display of courage by their local leaders who stepped, shimmied and slid out of their element for a good cause.
Brooklyn and Harlem "Stars of New York" shined brighter than ever during a night they are certain to remember.
"This morning, I woke up and was like, 'oh my god, what's going to happen?'" Todmann said. "But it was perfect. I feel absolutely wonderful. We're going to do it again next year."
