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2006
Produced & Directed by
Ann Marie DeAngelo
What better way to bring diverse cultures together but through the universal art form of dance. Colored with a variety of ethnic dances as well as ballet and modern, ONE WORLD celebrates our sameness and reflects the rich cultural fabric of New York City.
"Only if I were Renée Fleming with James Levine conducting plus the Met chorus could I properly sing your praises for an amazingly created and presented program last night - the program last night was terrific! I loved the vast spectrum of dance on the bill; I loved the age range of the dancers; I loved the novelty of live accompaniment on stage; and I loved the vast spectrum of traditional costumes with vivid colors and designs. I know there were a zillion details which go into a program like this and I applaud you for making it all come together in what I think was one of the smoothest programs yet!” Amy Bermant Adler, Conde Naste Publications
“I was so proud to be a member of CTFD’s board last night at that spectacular gala, Ann Marie. Thank you so much for you artistic brilliance, inclusiveness, generosity of spirit, organizational excellence and your personal warmth during your delightful speech. It was a wonderful event that helped to break down these artificial territorial boundaries that exist in our world, particularly now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” Denise Jefferson, Director Alvin Ailey School
“Many kudos to you for putting on such an incredible show and having the artistic vision to invite our artists to the stage. I must say that both Sounds of Korea and Thunderbirds expressed their incredible gratitude for being able to participate in such an event (and they’ve been on countless stages around the world)…it was a spectacular event!” Kaisha Johnson, Center for Traditional Music and Dance
“Congratulations to you! You’re such a pro and have such a down to earth personality! It’s been a pleasure working with the entire team…” Belle Lam, New York Chinese Cultural Center
"…You were terrific with your One World concept, it was such a high!” Anka Palitz, board member CTFD, American Ballet Theater
“You did an amazing job! Your choices were on target, the transitions seamless and the final impact very moving – Congratulations!” Bruce Michaels, former producer/director Radio City Music Hall
“It was a spectacular evening….there was so much joy that came from the dancers, we in the audience could not help but return it. Would the world could come together for an evening like last night’s and find this kind of joy in its diversity. You are truly a wonder…” Elaine Brodey, agent
 "An exciting event, Chita Rivera was presented the Rolex Award by Liza Minnelli. This year's speakers, Bebe Neuwirth (opening remarks), Sutton Foster and Mercedes Ellington introduced a series of international dancers and culturally eclectic dances. Drum Café NY opened this event with pulsating African drums, followed by Sounds of Korea. The musicians played an hourglass drum, a 12-stringed zither, and a bamboo flute. Parul Shah Dance Company and musicians on sarangi, tabla, and sitar performed Kathak dance. Four Thunderbird American Indian Dancers did a hoop dance, Sachiyo Ito, a seasoned Kabuki dancer, performing to traditional Nagauta music was mesmerizing and intense. China was represented with the Red Ribbon Dance, presented by Dance China NY. The ribbons formed shapes and imagery of dramatic red. Ologunde danced Capoeira, a Brazilian dance, about breaking the chains of slavery. There was poignant and underlying social content in much of tonight's multi-cultural program. Gennadi Saveliev of American Ballet Theatre, soon danced his signature Gopak, a Gala favorite, with exotic costuming and athletic prowess and potency. Lorena Feijoo of San Francisco Ballet, performed an excerpt of Lambarena, with a score by Bach and traditional African music. Ballet de Monterrey’s ten dancers performing Huapango, to Pablo Moncayo's score, was extremely contemporary, buoyant, and well received. Next was James Earl Jones, reading an excerpt from Duke Ellington's show, My People, accompanied by Jay Leonhart on bass. Balam Dance Theatre, in the solo by Kristina Berger, performed Hanuman the Monkey King, was entertaining and exotic.
“Noah Racey and Straight Up!!! (from da Wigz), choreographed by Mr. Wiggles, was next, with hip-hop, rap, and spinning dervish dances to energize the evening. Donny Golden School of Irish Dance was splendidly timed in kicks and fancy footwork, inherent to this genre. Another hit of this Gala was The Joffrey Ballet's world premiere of San Juan: allegro con sabor!, including dancers from Luna Negra Dance Theater. The closing performance was Beat of Love, electrically presented by the National Dance Institute of New Mexico and Rosie's Broadway Kids. The singer was Billy Porter, with choreography by Catherine Oppenheimer and Lori Klinger. Music was by Jim Morgan and Ann Marie DeAngelo. City Center pulsated with the percussive power of this enormous ensemble.
“Kudos to Career Transition for Dancers for One World, another creative and collaborative Gala event!”
Roberta Zlokower
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