The following words were delivered by Gillian Wynn, at Wynn Las Vegas, during the 32nd annual Black & White Ball, honoring Olivia Newton-John as Nevada Ballet Theatre's 2016 Woman of the Year, to introduce the portion of the evening devoted to raising monies for NBT’s Future Dance program; wherein children from underserved communities are exposed to the art form of dance, and dedicated students are provided with a premiere arts education.  Future Dance was established in 1993, and currently serves thousands of students, each year, through its various initiatives and scholarships.

Published with permission of the author.

In 2010, I went to Havana, Cuba, for the International Dance Festival.  While I was there, I fell in love with Havana, because despite the extreme poverty and limited opportunities, due to the political environment, the spirit of the people and their culture was absolutely vibrant.  And it radiated through their art: through the paintings in the museum, the music at the Floridita, and, of course, their dance.

While we were there, we were treated to a special tour of El Ballet Nacional de Cuba, led by the legendary Alicia Alonso.  And there, amidst the crumbled facades and torn-up sidewalks of Havana, stands this magnificent center for education, discipline, tradition and excellence.

The Ballet Nacional serves as a source of pride and dignity for the Cuban people.  Now, I have always loved all forms of art—from architecture to painting, theatre to music—but dance has always been the art form that has touched me deepest.  With all other art forms, you need some external element, whether concrete or abstract: a building, a canvas...words or notes.  But with dance, you need only the body you were born with.

Whenever I am watching someone dance, I am reminded of the phrase, “When the spirit moves you...” Dance is the ultimate physical expression of spirit. It is our connection to the Divine.  And I do believe we need this connection in order to survive.  Because if you tune into the news today, you cannot help but be confronted by stories of violence and brutality.

We are at such risk of becoming desensitized, that we need art to sensitize us...so that we can feel, connect, love and ultimately preserve our humanity. Because where there is destruction, art offers the opportunity for creation. And where there is oppression, art offers the opportunity for liberation. And where there is ugliness, art offers the opportunity for beauty. The transformative power of art exists on multiple dimensions, from the gross to the subtle.

When I was a little girl, I used to watch Nevada Ballet Theatre perform at UNLV, over at Artemus Ham Hall.  I would sit in the theatre, looking out upon the stage, and I would always choose one ballerina and pretend that I was her. After the performance, I would act out my fantasy, Jeté-ing and Chêne-ing across the stone floors of our open living room.  Now for me, these are happy memories of pure imagination and whimsy, but for many other children, these fantasies became realities and it changed their lives.

One such child was a little girl named Michia Eberhardt.  When Michia was in the third grade, at Elaine Wynn Elementary School, she participated in a dance program offered at school, by Nevada Ballet Theatre.  Michia showed great passion and great promise, and she was eventually offered a scholarship to study at the academy, through Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Future Dance program.

Today, Michia is in her second year at The Ailey School - the official school of the prestigious and wonderful Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, in New York City.  I thought it would be very special if Michia could perform for us tonight; and when she agreed, I was so delighted that I booked her plane ticket myself! Michia's story speaks for itself, but her dancing speaks for her soul.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you, Future Dance alumna, Ms. Michia Eberhardt!

Come back, next time, to read all about the rest of this exciting evening of art and philanthropy, with a bevy of fun photos and my usual colorful insights!  See y'all, then!

Future Dance
Nevada Ballet Theatre
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