Photo Flash: Details Announced For Second Annual Dare To Go Beyond Workshop In NYC

This FREE three-day summer arts program for New York City youth will take place Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31, 2009 at Pearl Studios in midtown Manhattan (500 8th Ave., between 35th and 36th Sts.)

This year's camp features teaching artists from the Broadway production of In the Heights, The Lion King, Chicago and The Little Mermaid and many others. Camp instructors and teaching artists donate their time by providing expertise in an effort to support R.Evolución Latina children's programs to mentor the next generation of performing artists.

The "Dare To Go Beyond" Children's Performing Arts Camp is geared for children ages 7 to 17.

"The camp syllabus is specifically created for children who don't have access to the arts, and is geared to providing them with the tools to unlock their hidden potential and talents, said Michael Balderrama, Executive Director of R.Evolución Latina and cast member of In the Heights. "The mission of the camp is also to instill the R.Evolución Latina motto of ‘Dare to Go Beyond' and to encourage the youth to take that motto back to their communities."

"I am proud to say that this year we are reaching double the amount of kids we reached last year through our ‘Dare To Go Beyond' summer camp," said Gabriela Garcia, Co-Director of R.Evolución Latina and dance captain for Broadway's Chicago. "Last year, we started out by providing a one-day intensive camp and taking it to centers such as The Point and The Mercy Center. This year we are able to have all the kids together under one roof and provide them with three full days of programs. They will have classes in voice, dance, acting, story telling and more. This year's camp will serve more than 100 kids."

"The three-day summer program is a fantastic way to reach young minds and students in the city. They will have a positive and profound experience. It will be at the very least, something they'll remember fondly, and at the very best, something that will change their lives," said teaching artist Enrique Segura, who appears as Ed the Hyena in Disney's The Lion King.

R.Evolución Latina children's programs are developed to provide instruction in the arts as well as encourage personal growth through individual relationships with the students.

Industry professionals that are donating their time as instructors and teaching artists at this year's camp include:

Michael Balderrama - In the Heights, Movin' Out
Ryan Daniel Beck - MOMIX Dance Company
Michelle Brugal - Aida, The Lion King
Tony Chiroldes - In the Heights
Rogelio Douglas - The Little Mermaid
Gabriela Garcia - dance captain for Chicago
Chris Harbur - Shafrika the White Girl
John Herrera - In the Heights
Ian Hersey - The Public Theater
Stephanie Klemons - In the Heights, Bombay Dreams
Dan Micciche - Chicago
Jose Ortiz - "Dr. Drum" of BombaYO
Jon Rua - In the Heights
Luis Salgado - In the Heights, Across the Universe, Step Up 2 the Streets
Enrique Segura - The Lion King
Kat Sherrell - rehearsal pianist for In the Heights

The "Dare To Go Beyond" Children's Performing Arts Camp is co-sponsored by Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, Stay Inspired, 1849 Restaurant, Nike, Steps on Broadway, Capezio, Tezoro Productions and private donations.

Interested individuals can also sponsor one or more children at the three-day camp for a tax-deductible donation of $75 per child.

For more information on the "Dare To Go Beyond" Children's Performing Arts Camp and R.Evolución Latina, visit www.revolucionlatina.org.