New York benefit concerts aplenty

Many New York-based dance companies and studios are presenting full concerts or small showings this month in an effort to raise money for victims of Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, which hit the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states in late October.

Two upcoming benefits are being presented on Dec. 7-8 and Dec.18.

The first benefit, Ellison Ballet’s Winter Showcase 2012, will feature an evening of romantic and classical ballet masterworks performed by the ensemble of 35 students of Ellison’s Professional Training Program, along with guests from other major NYC dance organizations.

Performance proceeds will go toward two Staten Island families hit especially hard by Hurricane Sandy: Colleen Cericola, whose home was totally destroyed, and Patricia Dresch, whose husband and 13-year old daughter perished in the storm.   

The two Winter Showcase performances will be on Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 at the door or $30 in advance for regular admission and $30 at the door or $25 in advance for students and seniors. For reservations call 212.787.1178 or visit www.ellisonballet.org.

The second benefit, New York Moves, is a show being billed as “an evening of works to support the victims of Hurricane Sandy.” It will bring more than a dozen artists together, including independent artists Lauren Adams, Billy Larson, Shelly Hutchinson, David Marquez, Jason Parsons, Kristen Sudeikis and Wes Veldink.

Also, dancers from Sidra Bell New York, R.E.D. (Rhapsody En Dance), Beings Dance, Calen J. Kurka/:pushing progress ii, The Next Stage Project and Synthesis Dance Project will be participating.

Presented for one night only on Dec. 18 at 8:30 p.m., New York Moves’ tickets are $15 regular admission and $10 for students. All proceeds go to Breezy Point Cooperative’s Recovery Fund, which is assisting in New York City disaster relief efforts. For more information, email info@youngchoreographersfestival.com or call 917.675.7311.

Both performances will be presented at Manhattan Movement Arts Center at 248 West 60th Street, New York.