Youth Bureau Dance Benefit Honors Creative and Community-Minded Educators
Chances are you have had at least one teacher in your life that played a role in your accomplishments. This is especially true in the world of dance. On Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. regional dancers will make this point on the stage of the White Plains Performing Arts Center at the Friends of the White Plains Youth Bureau’s (FoWPYB) Ninth Annual Dance Benefit, “Inspiring Minds in Motion.”
The event, which will celebrate educators, will honor choreographer and artistic director Camille A. Brown and renowned educator, activist and former White Plains Schools Superintendent Dr. Saul M. Yanofsky.
Proceeds from the benefit will support some of the more than 50 programs the Youth Bureau provides area youth.
FoWPYB President, Reva Golkar, says this year’s honorees represent the best in what we look for in educators. “Our Artistic Honoree Ms. Brown uses dance and theatre to tell stories that connect our past with the present. Her thought-provoking dances create a dialogue with the audience, and her dance company’s youth initiative brings the power of dance directly to young audiences. Our Community Honoree Dr. Yanofsky is a well-loved local educator and a zealous advocate for Westchester youth. He has spent a significant amount of time during his career developing initiatives helping our local youth transition from high school to college.”
Brown is one of a few female choreographers producing professional works today. Her accolades include the prestigious Princess Grace Award (Choreography), a 2013 recipient of The International Association of Blacks in Dance Founders Award, and the 2012 City College of New York Women & Culture Award. A career highlight for Brown was in 2012 when she choreographed the Broadway revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
Dance companies that have commissioned Brown’s work include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Philadanco, Urban Bush Women, Complexions, and Ailey II among others. Brown and her dance company have performed at major dance venues throughout the country including The Joyce Theater, Bates Dance Festival, and Jacob’s Pillow. Her works have been performed at The Kennedy Center, The Apollo, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Madison Square Garden, and New York City Center.
Yanofsky is the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at Westchester Community College and the former Superintendent of the White Plains City School District. Dr. Yanofsky has devoted his career to helping local youth and has played an instrumental role in strengthening the connection between Westchester County’s high schools and colleges.
The performance at this year’s benefit will include returning artists like the O’Rourke Irish Dancers, the Steffi Nossen School of Dance and Keen Dance Theater. Newcomer, Addie-Tude will bring Latin dancing to the Benefit. Tickets for the event are $30 and $50 or $100 for premium seating that includes a post-performance VIP reception. Tickets are available at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains or at the White Plains Youth Bureau, 11 Amherst Place, White Plains.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
