Photo Flash: Evidence Dance Company 'On Our Toes' Benefit

The skies cleared and the sun peaked out just in time for the Evidence Dance Company's triumphant return to the East End with their 'On Our Toes in the Hamptons' Gala, the troupe's third annual party and performance gala.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by the good folks from Wine Cellar Sorbets who served up tiny cones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and May wine sorbets.  It followed a hike through the sculpture-filled Nova's Ark Project in Bridgehampton, the setting for the elegant late afternoon soiree. 

Gala co-chairs Joyce Mullins-Jackson and Loida Nicholas Lewis, joined by Evidence Chairman of the Board Reginald Van Lee and Honorary Chairs Susan L. Taylor and Khephra Burns, welcomed guests to the enormous barn for cocktails.  Norma Jean Darden of Spoon Bread served up a delectable array of Caribbean, Cajun, African and Soul Food treats: Yucatan chicken, black eyed peas fritters, spicy shrimp, country ham & biscuits, mini sweet potato pies and peach cobblers.  Moet Hennessy kept the Veuve Clicquot flowing like the Seine. There was also a silent auction that included tickets to Grey Gardens and designer jewelry.

An enthusiastically received performance by the Evidence Dance Company followed.  Preceded by a choir comprised of singers from several local churches, Evidence began its trilogy "Truth Don Die". The newly completed work by founder Ronald K. Brown will debut in New York this winter at the Joyce Theater. 

Photos by Rob Rich

Rene Syler and Buff Parham

Joyce Mullins Jackson and actor David Robertson

Kathleen Tait, Renee Cox, Greg Ifill and Meredith Frey

Virginia Arrington, Earl Arrington, Rene Syler 

The Evidence Dance Company

Ronald K. Brown, Evidence Dance Company founder

The Evidence Dance Company

Derrick Robertson, Neil Lowe, Joyce Mullins-Jackson, Eddie Marerro, Tamara Regis, Reginald Van Lee