St. Louis American receives top honors at annual Dance St. Louis Gala - St. Louis American

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St. Louis American receives top honors at annual Dance St. Louis Gala

By American Staff
Thursday, April 1, 2010 1:58 AM CDT

“Nobody deserves this more,” Dance St. Louis Executive Director Michael Uthoff said about The St. Louis American.

The words couldn’t come out fast enough â€" even before the question was completely asked â€" as he explained why he felt The American was worthy of his organization’s most prestigious award.

“At Dance St. Louis, we live in a world that depends on the graciousness and generosity of institutions, and The St. Louis American has been at the forefront with pushing forward what Dance St. Louis is all about,” Uthoff said.

“They have been continually lending us a hand with getting the message of what we do to out the community â€" and that is what we are grateful for.”

Two weeks ago, for the Dance St. Louis annual Ballet Ball at the Palladium in Lafayette Square, The St. Louis American soaked in the love from more than 100 supporters of dance and the arts.

It was a formal gala â€" ball gowns and all â€" but there was a laid-back vibe that eliminated the formality of the formal.

Folks discussed their comings, goings and worthy causes. But the pre-gala reception also felt like a simultaneous congratulations session for The American.

“Selecting The St. Louis American to receive this year’s honor was a unanimous decision,” Uthoff said of the paper joining the ranks of organizations such as AmerenUE, Emerson and The Whitaker Foundation.

“I mean, anyone there saw that the response to Donald and the appreciation was genuine.”

The feeling was indeed mutual as St. Louis American Publisher and President Donald M. Suggs anxiously approached the podium amidst a standing ovation following a compelling presentation by Dance St. Louis Board President Richard Winter.

“I am grateful, but I wouldn’t be up here if it weren’t for the amazing individuals and the wonderful work that they do on behalf of The St. Louis American,” Suggs said. “Our organization truly appreciates this award.”

He then called up staff members Dina M. Suggs and Kenya Vaughn to share in the accolades â€" which were quickly handed back to Suggs for his diligence in assuring the paper’s extensive coverage of the arts, dance in particular.

“Plenty of times, the coverage we provide with respect to the arts is first exposure to culture that our readers receive,” said Kenya Vaughn.

“And it is an awesome responsibility. Thanks to The St. Louis American and Dr. Suggs, who is a warrior for the arts, I have the privilege of introducing organizations like Dance St. Louis to an entirely new audience. To have the opportunity to be a part of that is truly a humbling experience for me.”

As The American exited the stage, the crowd â€" which also included Better Family Life’s Malik and Deborah Ahmed and 2010 Ballet Ball co-chair Susan Buford â€" once again rose to their feet.

“This award is our Oscar â€" it’s our way of saying, ‘Thank you,’” Uthoff said. “Very seldom do we get the opportunity to say that publicly and bestow our gratitude on those who have shown a love towards us.”

Dancing towards youth development

“Believe it or not, this is about more than just a love for dance,” Dance St. Louis board of directors member Kent Reynolds said. “This is also about helping children succeed and giving young people from all backgrounds opportunities.”

While the event honors the organization’s “Swans,” it also has the dual purpose of fundraising.

And as a video eloquently expressed, Dance St. Louis is about more than dance just for dance’s sake. Their residency program which pairs professionals with dancers-in-training in area schools helps youth move towards becoming successful, productive adults.

“Performing arts is a fantastic gateway for young people to really understand discipline focus, determination,” said Christina Johnson Vojvodich, a teaching artist for the Dance St. Louis Residency Program and founding member Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Students discussed how their experiences as participants of the program left a lasting impression. And while most of their comments were specific to dance, the tools they receive through the unique experiences can â€" and most likely will â€" be applied to their lives.

“The program itself is special because it gives the young people a message,” said Marilyn Sheperd, Dance St. Louis Board member. “And the message is, ‘You can do this too. You can do this.’”

 

 

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