Author: Bronwen Battaglia
If you want to see professional ballet in OTHER cities it might involve:
- Heavy traffic getting to the venue
- Expensive parking
- High priced tickets
- Paying extra for food and drink
Fortunately, BUFFALO is not other cities! This Thursday, May 18, Neglia Ballet makes it EASY to experience world-class ballet from 6-10 pm at the Flickinger Performing Arts Center at Nichols School.
The 4th annual “Dancing to Live Gala” is a star-studded performance, a fundraiser, a celebration of life and will include:
- FREE parking
- complimentary food and cocktails
- chance to meet famous dancers
- exciting silent auction
Professional ballet artists from around the world will be on stage delighting the audience with two world premieres, classical favorites, and original works by renown choreographers. Buffalo puppet genius Michele Costa will perform two pieces with Sergio Neglia. Neglia’s long-time former partner Sherri Campagni will make a special appearance in one of the pieces.
You will be moved by the music and the emotions of the artistry. “Dancing to Live” opens eyes and hearts to the joy of dance, art and living each day to the fullest.
“Dancing to Live” is produced annually to raise funds and awareness for TargetCancer Foundation rare cancer research and Neglia Ballet’s CityDance. Since 2001 CityDance has served over 25,000 city children by providing buses and free tickets to Neglia’s performances at Shea’s and UB Center for the Arts so they can experience the magic of a professional ballet performance. Children then receive further ballet education in their classroom. Additionally, children have an opportunity for a scholarship to continue their studies at the Neglia Conservatory of Ballet. Yes, that’s a lot to be accomplished and funded in one spectacular May night!
Buffalonians like you can help our mission by attending the gala and bidding in the auction. Thoughtfully curated auction items include work from Buffalo artists: Monica Angle, Peter Fowler, Michael Gelen and Gene Witkowski. New this year, four young artists with a connection to Neglia Ballet have generously donated unique artwork. There are exciting auction packages including overnight stays at Buffalo hotels, local dining, theatre, and cultural visits so you can be a tourist in your own city.
The silent auction can be found online at www.32auctions.com so get a head start bidding now before the event!
Pre-sale gala tickets are $125 per pair or $75 each, and can be ordered until May 17 online at www.negliaballet.org/dancing-live or by phone 716-447-0401. Tickets may be purchased at the door on May 18 for $75 each. Doors open at 6 pm. Performance starts promptly at 7:30 pm.
More about Neglia Ballet – www.negliaballet.org
More about TargetCancer Foundation www.targetcancerfoundation.org
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Bronwen Battaglia is writing from her new post at Neglia Ballet in the Tri-Main Center. Previously she was the editor of Buffalo Rising Magazine, way back when the magazine was new and her sons were small. She’s pleased to make a reappearance online with Buffalo Rising.