TV Exclusive: Ray Mercer Takes Us Inside Rehearsals for BC/EFA Benefit, PURE MOTION!

A brilliant cast of dancers from Broadway's biggest hits and some of the most sought-after dance companies will bring to life Pure Motion, an evening of dances by emerging choreographer Ray Mercer. Produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the evening will feature cast members from Broadway's An American in Paris, The Lion King and Wicked as well as past and current dancers from Ailey II, Company XIV, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater and more.

Mercer, winner of Joffrey Ballet's Choreographers of Color Award, is a 13-year veteran of Disney's The Lion King and a prolific NY choreographer. For Pure Motion (#puremotion), he will present seven visually striking contemporary pieces, including two premieres created especially for the event. The evening will feature performances at 7 pm and 8:30 pm on Monday, February 29, 2016, at The Ailey Citigroup Theater (405 West 55th Street) in New York City.

Tickets range from $40-$250 and are available at broadwaycares.org or by calling 212.840.0770, ext 268. VIP ticket buyers will enjoy a private reception with Mercer and the cast immediately after the 8:30 pm performance. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.

Throughout Mercer's ongoing, 13-year run in The Lion King on Broadway, he has simultaneously created work on the New Jersey Ballet, the Pensacola Ballet, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Philadanco and Ailey II. Mercer also has been a guest artist for the Boston Ballet and has worked with Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin and Garth Fagan. Mercer's dynamic, thought-provoking choreography has won the best onstage presentation award seven times at Broadway Cares' annual Gypsy of the Year and Easter Bonnet Competition.