Two dance celebrations in the past week moved me enormously without physically moving me.
I hardly moved in my seat during a Nov. 24 American Repertory Ballet performance of the “Nutcracker”at McCarter Theatre, featuring New York City Ballet soloist and Princeton native Unity Phelan.
Then a week later, I just stood and watched in awe the guest of honor at a West Windsor Arts Council “dance party,” celebrating Princeton artist and art teacher Priscilla Algava, who is fighting illness by spreading joy. The choreographic qualities that these two events shared were inspiration and love.
For me, they reaffirmed the often-overlooked value of the arts in the lives of those like myself with no artistic talent other than wearing something artsy while buying a ticket.
I have been attending to the Princeton Ballet/American Repertory Ballet “Nutcracker”performances continuously for 50 years – and writing about my daughter’s and my granddaughter’s participation in these shows since 1980. No matter how old I get, I am never too old to get goose bumps at different points in the show.
This year I was particularly blown away by the dancing of the 23-year-old Unity Phelan, who began her dance training at the age of five at the Princeton Ballet School (PBS), where she got the opportunity to dance in several “Nutcracker”roles.
In November 2013, she joined the New York City Ballet Company as a member of the corps de ballet and in February 2017, Ms. Phelan was promoted to soloist. She was featured on the cover the January 2016 issue of Dance Magazineas one of the publication’s “25 to Watch” selected artists.
Even though she was in the midst of very intense New York City Ballet “Nutcracker”rehearsals and performances, she (and her dance partner fellow New York City Ballet soloist Joseph Gordon),came to Princeton to do two ARB shows on the Friday after Thanksgiving – the same night that ARB hosted a special reception for Princeton Ballet/”Nutcracker” alumni.
I can imagine the pride and joy that Unity’s mother and sister, who were in the audience, felt when they watched Unity’s astounding performance. I never anticipated, however, the reactions of Princeton Ballet School students, who clearly were mesmerized by what they saw on stage. At the post-show reception, I kept hearing the words “awesome” and “omigod.” One young woman was most inspired by the fact that she and her friends had something in common with Unity – their Princeton Ballet School training.
Two dancers Mary Wielgos and Naomi Namboodiripad,who dance this year in the role of Clara, described how Unity’s performance would affect their own pursuit of a professional dance career. “She was regal, cool, peaceful, and consistently audience-based – she always took her time saluting the audience and acknowledging them in her movements,” said Mary.
“I realized that she had the ability to focus on both her technique and passion during her performance, and that is something I admire and would like to achieve myself. Her performance inspires me to incorporate passion and motivation into my technique as well,” said Naomi.
My 12-year-old granddaughter, Lily Solomon, who was one of the soldiers in the production, thus far has never talked about a career as a professional ballerina, but was equally impressed by what she saw in Unity’s performance. “I am sure it takes so much natural talent to do what she does, but it also shows what someone can accomplish with overwhelming love for what you want to do – and I guess that is what it takes to be excellent at anything,” she said.
The other thing love can do is sustain life – and that was on view at a West Windsor Art’s Council event dubbed a dance party by Alisa Algava, but officially called an evening of “Inspiration and Appreciation.”
Princeton artist and art teacher Priscilla Snow Algava is renowned for her ability to capture with evocative colors and delicate brush strokes the motion of dancers. Along with her works of art, however, Priscilla is famous locally for her role as an extraordinary friend and mentor.
“She has touched the hearts, souls and imaginations of so many people that it’s hard to describe her influence in any one way. Through bright, colorful and joyful paintings, warm and spirited watercolor classes and workshops, and welcoming pop-up galleries, Priscilla has mastered the art of giving—to her family, her students, her colleagues and her community,” according to West Windsor Arts Council executive directorAylin Green.
West Windsor Arts Council announced a scholarship fund in Priscilla’s name, as “a way to honor a cherished member of its community who is now battling advanced endometrial cancer. The fund has been established to perpetuate her legacy and make it possible for individuals of all ages who wish to pursue art classes at the West Windsor Arts Center to do so despite financial obstacles,” said Ms. Green.
Priscilla’s talents and her boundless generous and nurturing personality were the themes of this dance party, but the event also served as a tribute to Team Priscilla, comprising her remarkable daughters, Carin and Alisa, arts activists grandchildren, husband, and dozens of friends and colleagues.
Team Priscilla, in addition to being there for Priscilla through countless trips to the doctors and hospitals, through every scan and treatment and medical consultation, has organized bike races, art exhibits, blogs, and receptions – activities geared to keeping the happy and lighthearted dance spirit strong within Priscilla.
Even her seven-year-old granddaughter Sabria got into the act by selling her own original “pen and ink” works of art at the dance party and raising $100 from the party guests who were unable to say ‘no’ to the sales pitch for donating to cancer research. It should be noted that Sabria’s producer/agent was her 10-year-old brother Drew, promoting his sister’s artwork and overseeing the fiscal viability of the operation.
In the invitation emailed to hundreds, Alisa said “While we know many of you won’t be able to make it to (the party)…, we’d be so honored …if you will dance with us from wherever you are! And maybe even text a photo or video to our mom…. ‘Cause our mama feels better when we’re dancing.”
And the dancing continues:
American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker:
Two River Theater | Red Bank, NJ | tworivertheater.org
with Concordia Youth Chorale
Friday, December 14 | 7pm
Saturday, December 15 | 1pm and 6pm
Sunday, December 16 | 1pm
State Theatre New Jersey | New Brunswick, NJ | stnj.org
The only American Repertory Ballet performances featuring a live orchestra and Princeton Girlchoir
Fri, December 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Sat, December 22 | 2pm and 7pm
Sun, December 23 | 1pm and 5pm
If you would like to contribute to the Priscilla Snow Algava Scholarship Fund or learn about the current exhibit and upcoming events, please visit westwindsorarts.org/support.