Annique Roberts to host Atlanta fundraiser
Critically acclaimed professional dancer and Atlanta native Annique Roberts is hosting a fundraiser for the Atlanta Spring Dance Series (ASDS) on Sunday, August 7. She’ll return to her hometown from NYC to raise support for ASDS’s Youth Professional Development Fund, which will specifically help eight young local dancers attend summer dance programs in 2017.
Roberts explained, “I washed cars in the Wendy’s parking lot and sold fried fish sandwiches to cover the costs of attending summer dance programs. But it was exactly these programs, like Jacob’s Pillow in Massachusetts and The Alvin Ailey School in New York, that opened my eyes to the vastness of the industry. Like me, many of my colleagues credit their success to experiences that forced them out of their comfort zone and away from home. Inside of an intense and competitive environment, you learn the work required to have a sustainable and successful career.”
She continued, “However, these programs, with added travel and living costs, are expensive. The ASDS wants to eliminate these financial barriers so that all youth, no matter their circumstances, are able to attend summer programs. I know from experience that these opportunities will go a long way to inspire and shape their professional development and artistic futures.”
The fundraising campaign kicked off July 8 and runs till August 16. The actual fundraiser is open to the public and will take place at The Empire Room at The Sloppy Floyd Building in Atlanta on August 7 from 3-7 pm. Tickets are $50 per person and include food, beverages, entertainment, a silent auction and dancing. For more information, visit www.atlantaspringdance.org.
Roberts originally graduated from Tri-Cities High School of the Visual and Performing Arts (in East Point, GA) and later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University with a BFA in Theatre Arts/Dance. She’s now a graduate student in Savannah College of Art and Design’s Business Design and Arts Leadership program. She’s also a veteran professional dancer, currently working with the world-renowned Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company. Roberts was nominated for a 2013 New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award for Outstanding Performer. She’s previously danced with The Lion King choreographer Garth Fagan in his Rochester-based company. Most recently, The New York Times declared her “a glorious dancer who moves with such liquid abandon that her body seems directed not by positions but by air.” ASDS is Robert’s way of giving back to a community that is the foundation of her success.
ASDS was founded in 2011 as an annual one-day dance workshop festival. Each year participants, for a very low cost, engage in dance classes spanning a multitude of genres. In addition, there is an informal panel discussion where professional artists speak to participants about various artistic career paths and how to be successful in the industry. The event also raises money to support young aspiring dancers going to college and summer dance programs.
Photo (top): Annique Roberts performing Grace. Photo by Dennis J. Photography. Photo (left): Roberts performing at Fire Island. Photo by Daniel Roberts. Photo (right): Allyne Gartrell teaching for ASDS event. Photo by Shocphoto Imagery.