Casts of SPIDER-MAN, ANYTHING GOES, JERSEY BOYS and More Set for BROADWAY CELEBRATES VARIATIONS Gala, 8/13

Giving back is an integral part of Variations, A Dancer's Studio director and co-founder Erin Lopez's heart and soul. And so on August 13, Variations, A Dancer's Studio, based in Huntington, Long Island, is hosting "Broadway Celebrates Variations," a star-ridden benefit performance at The Paramount in Huntington. The purpose is to raise money to establish a scholarship fund for talented, financially needy area dance students, not unlike the Queens-born Erin Lopez once was herself.

With Variations, A Dancer's Studio on the cusp of its 15th anniversary, Lopez decided it was time to help others through the creation of the "Deborah Hahn Scholarship Fund," named for Lopez's very first dance teacher and mentor who gave the talented, but financially-strapped young dance student a chance to dance.

And look at the results: A school with a faculty of 20 and a burgeoning enrollment of over 500 young dance students that has turned out professional performers and well-educated amateurs. There is also a vibrant adult program. The curriculum has a wide reach including ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, and contemporary dance.

So it is no surprise that the August 13th event draws from Lopez's many and varied friends in the field, who have been touched by her generosity, infectious enthusiasm for the art form, and the inspiring teacher and leader she has become.

There will be performances by David Lerner, cast member of "Mary Poppins"; Brandon Rubendall, cast member of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark"; Adé Chiké Torbert, season 7 finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance," cast member of "Fela!"; The Doo Wop Project, comprised of present and former cast members from "Jersey Boys"; dancers from Chase Brock Experience (Brock is a contributing choreographer of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark"); Gary Jeter II, member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet; students from Tony Award-nominee Elizabeth Parkinson's Fine Line Theatre Arts. The ballet world will be well-represented by Daniel Ulbricht, principal dancer with New York City Ballet.

The evening begins at 7pm with a cocktail reception. Tickets, which range from $75-$200 and include the cocktail reception, silent auction, and performance, can be purchased by calling 631-425-9220. Tickets are tax-deductible. The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743.

 

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