Dedication
This year we celebrate forty years of Huntington Dance Theatre traditions. For forty years, dancers have traveled across the Marley floors, filed in and out of slamming studio doors, and lined up along the dark barres. Rooms have been filled with sparkling costumes that always need updates. Shoes have been lost, and confidence has been found. Although the locations and faces have changed, the art has not. Left hand on the barre always to begin.
We began this season, left hand on the barre, but also masked. Six feet apart. In assigned spots. Things just felt a little different. But then the music clicked on, we took a breath, and we began. Plies. Nine count swings. The first strains for Waltz of the Snowflakes drifted from the speaker, and the memory took over. The dancers began moving to the music so many of us have known for years. New faces embraced choreography from many moons ago. Seasoned faces learned movements all new. We were assured that no matter the chaos this pandemic has caused, Nutcracker will always be. Ballet will always be. HDT will always be.
We would be amiss if we didn’t recognize the volunteers that have kept HDT afloat for the last forty years. Volunteers that drive cars and load props, busy moms that clean and sanitize constantly, grandmothers that spend their evenings checking temperatures and sewing costumes, dads that climb endless ladders to make the stage look just right, former dancers that give of their time and talent simply because they love this art. Families that donate their own money and time, and even their building skills to provide barres and doll boxes. These volunteers are the heartbeat of Huntington Dance Theatre, moving us through the last forty years and propelling us forward for forty or more. As we close out our 2020 season, we are missing a long-time volunteer. A dad who gave of his time throughout his daughters’ childhoods, and again when she became a director. A dad who was completely devoted to not only his family, but to all the things his family loved. Shawn Stewart, the Huntington Dance Theatre family misses you. Lauren and Ashley, we love you. We dedicate these virtual performances to Shawn, and to the Stewart family, who sacrificed their time and talents for many years to ensure that HDT lived on.
And so, looking ahead, a new director will be taking the stage. We would like to welcome Mrs. Erin Stephens, a member of the HDT family for many years who will lead us into 2021. She will be assisted by Ms. Anna Marsh, a long-time HDT dancer and alumnus. Huntington Dance Theatre’s classes will begin again in January, and we look forward to the new traditions, new skills, and continuation of the familiar art that is ballet. Left hand at the barre.
Love,
Kay
