American Ballet Theatre (ABT) has treated us to a hauntingly beautiful (and socially distant) dance performance all over Central Park.
As a celebration of the dance company’s 80th anniversary and a fundraiser during the coronavirus shutdown, ABT hosted a virtual extravaganza called “Together Tonight” yesterday evening, May 12. The digital show featured quarantine performances by ABT dancers, Tony Bennett, and Cynthia Erivo, along with toasts from celebrity supporters like Jennifer Garner, Kelly Ripa, and Katie Couric.
One of the highlights, especially for New Yorkers, was a special choreographed number performed by ABT dancers Catherine Hurlin and Aran Bell, a couple who is sheltering in place together here in NYC. They danced magically all throughout Central Park, from the Great Lawn to the wooden gazebo to the cast iron Pine Bank Bridge.
The dance is titled “Let Me Sing Forevermore” and was choreographed by Jessica Lang, while Tony Bennet sang “Fly Me To The Moon” at the same time.
Check out the exquisite performance below! The Central Park feature is around 42 minutes in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlgQGsLswOg
As shared on Central Park’s Instagram account, the dancers reflected on the experience of filming the dance number:
“I think we can speak on behalf of every New Yorker and say how much we appreciate Central Park during this time. While theaters are closed, dancing in [Central Park] was a way for us to perform for the public again. It was so uplifting to see people smiling and clapping at a distance. It reminded us, how much joy the arts brings people, and how essential the need to feel joy is during this pandemic.”
featured image source: Instagram / @centralparknyc