Cart: 0
Donate
with Television & Broadway Stars
Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo
Through the Heart of Tango
Exclusive Festival, Dinner & Show
BENEFITING MATCH A FRIEND
and other programs for persons with Autism
Saturday-Sunday, April 21-22
Beyond the Stars Palace
417 1/2 N.Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA
Purchase Ticket Here
$100; $150 (VIP)
Dinner-Dance and Show are tax-deductible
Dance Into Unity Inc., Tax ID # 51-0633357
"Through the Heart of Tango" Charity Ball
to benefit "Match A Friend" & Other Autism Programs
Through the Heart of Tango , sponsored by Dance Into Unity, Inc. , is a charity event benefiting the Match a Friend program and other programs that support persons and families that live with autism and autism causes.
The charity ball includes a dinner-dance and spectacular tango show under the creative direction of television and Broadway star Miriam Larici, World Leading Lady of Tango, who brings a cast of the finest Argentine tango performers to support this special cause. The charity ball will also feature a tango-inspired hair and fashion show sponsored by the Mauro Hair Salon and Florie Couture of Beverly Hills.
This special event will be held at Beyond the Stars Palace , located at 417 ½ N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, California. Through the Heart of Tango is an exclusive show with performances for two (2) nights only on April 21-22, 2012. VIP and General Admission tickets to the event are available on-line through the charity's website.
Exclusive VIP package includes early admission at 6 pm the evening of each performance for the wine and cheese reception, special seating for the dinner-dance and fashion and hair show, photo opportunity with the artists and stars of the show and special gift bags.
Dance Into Unity, Inc. (DIU), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, which was founded in 2006. Its mission is to raise autism awareness through the dance-arts and film. From 2006-2008 DIU produced several Broadway-cast dance productions to raise autism awareness, attracting over 6,000 people. For more information about the event Through the Heart of Tango and Dance Into Unity, please go to: www.danceintounity.org
- Schedule -
Saturday-Sunday, April 21-22, 2012
10-5 pm Tango workshops
5-6 pm Break
6-6:45 pm VIP reception in lobby
wine & cheese table, auction
preview, special guest reception
7-7:30 pm General audience entry
Silent auction in lobby, main floor
open for social dancing
7:30-8:30 pm Dinner
8:30-8:45 pm Fashion & Hair Show
8:45-9:30 pm Tango Show
9:30 pm-12 am Milonga
Tango social dance party
Beyond The Stars Palace
417 1/2 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203 34.152 -118.2552
Beyond the Stars Palace, formerly known as the Roxy Theater, is now a performing arts theater, concert hall and night club all rolled into one. Built in 1945 with most of the original design preserved, Beyond the Stars Palace looks and feels like a classic mid 1940s theater.
Parking Garage
222 North Orange Street, 6 min away, $6 max
"Through the Heart of Tango"
Chariry Ball: EVENT COORDINATORS
List of Event Coordinators .
Lana David , Director of Events, Dance Into Unity Inc.
Event co-chair
Elena Alexandra , Director of Arts & Education, Dance Into Unity, Inc.
Liza Krassner , Chief Administrative Officer & Director of Student Services, Public Health, UC Irvine
Special Events & Project Consultant
Cammy Wang , Director of Student Services, School of Social Ecology, UC Irvine
Special Events & Project Assistant
Miriam Larici , Television & Broadway Star
Artistic Director, Choreographer & Workshop Coordinator
Mauro Spina , Owner, " Mauro Hair Salon ", Rodeo Collection, Beverly Hills
Hair & Fashion Show Program Coordinator
Alla DePalma , Hair Stylist & Designer, Mauro Hair Studio, Rodeo Collection, Beverly Hills
Hair Fashion Show Program Coordinator
Cole Flint , "Match A Friend" Coach, Autism Activist, Dance Into Unity Inc.
Project Assistant, Fundraising
Vlad Estrin , Founder, owner, Tango Afficionado,
Marketing and Promotions
Lana David
Dance Into Unity,
Co-Founder
Director of Events
Through her work and development in the fields of communication encompassing science technology, socio-cultural projects involving international and local communities, and both the healing and expressive arts, Lana has established a deep understanding and appreciation of the connection between people upon which she has built a solid foundation as an ultimate proponent of humanitarianism.
Her efforts are fully directed to bringing what she has learned to the community manifesting her vision of a greater reality, and raising consciousness and quality of life.
Svetlana is co-founder of Dance Into Unity, Inc. and the co-author of the book series "Dance Into Unity through the Heart of Tango".
Elena Alexandra
Director of Arts & Education
Artist, dancer, teacher, Elena is the co-founder of the non-profit organization "Dance Into Unity, Inc." and the Executive Producer of two successful Broadway-cast dance productions to raise autism awareness "El Corazon del Tango" (2006) and "Tango Adamor" (2008) staged with Broadway tango legend Miriam Larici as Artistic Director.
As a part of our mission to enrich the community by introducing top level arts and education programs, DIU in association with the non-profit Unity in Diversity Arts Foundation offered the program "Magic of Tango" in West Hollywood where Elena created a series of workshops for adults to improve health and quality of life.
Currently Elena is developing a range of educational programs for youth to launch our "Match A Friend" project to train "friends" for autistic individuals who will be educated in arts, dance and humanities by a team of professionals who are part of Dance Into Unity's network.
BIO:
Elena completed her undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Massachussets, realizing that her road lay in her life-long fascination with the human psyche and its potentials. Elena continued her graduate studies at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachussets where she received her masters degree in Psychology.
During her internships, Elena had the opportunity to work with various populations representing a spectrum of states of the human condition - including adult outpatients diagnosed with substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, emotionally-behaviorally challenged teens at an urban junior high-school, and a broad and varying range of college students coming through a counseling center at one of the biggest universities of the country, right in the heart of Boston.
Upon moving to California in 2001, Elena was offered a position at the American University of Complementary Medicine, where she taught Introduction to Psychology, Theories of Personality and Abnormal Psychology, and eventually put them all together into a class that came to be known as a favorite of students called “Personality Profiles”.
At that time Elena'’s love for performing arts and specifically dance brought her to the world of Argentine Tango. Elena immersed herself into dance, connecting with an international tango community, attending “dances called "milongas"” and absorbing the technique, style and flavor of it all right on the dance floor.
What attracted her most is what lies at the very core of this dance: CONNECTION. Elena wanted to expand and share this experience, which resulted in her co-founding the non-profit organization Dance Into Unity, Inc. where Elena could combine her educational experience with her love for dance.
Liza Krassner
Chief Administrative Officer &
Director of Student Services,
Public Health, UC Irvine
Special Events
Project Consultant
Liza is a veteran UCI administrator whose professional background and interests includes public, financial and research administration, networking, community relations, and public service in areas of global/international public health, health promotion, advocacy and education. Her personal interests include travel, cooking, watching sports, and the arts. She loves jazz and the dance arts but specially the tango, which she dances socially whenever her time allows.
In 1997, Liza gave birth to a wonderful son who was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She later discovered that the tango had a tremendous impact on her understanding the concept of connection through the movement of the dance. The discovery was truly healing, and this learned concept of non-verbal communication or connection with another individual on the dance floor was brought home to train herself on being more in tune with her own son. This effect continues to be the driving force in her support of the dance arts as a vehicle for connecting with persons with ASD.
Outside UCI, she devotes time consulting or volunteering in projects in support of jazz and the arts while continuing to educate and support autism causes. She volunteers regularly at KKJZ 88.1 FM, her favorite jazz station. She is also a Parent Ambassador of the For OC Kids Neurodevelopmental Center, which is devoted to the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, support, education and advocacy of Orange County children with a range of developmental, behavioral and learning issues including autism and ADHD.
Liza received her B.A. in Psychology from UCI and completed her Masters in Public Administration in Cal State Long Beach. She currently lives in Irvine with her husband and two sons.
Cammy Wang
Director of Student Services, School of Social Ecology,
UC Irvine
Project Assistant
Bio is on the way!
Miriam Larici
Television & Broadway Star
Artistic Director,
Choreographer ,
Workshop Coordinator
Miriam Larici is the world-famous iconic image of the Broadway-London hit " Forever Tango ". Bestowed with what is now her well-known title, "“World Leading Lady of Tango”", Miriam has been invited to perform with the most prestigious orchestras of the world at some of the most highly publicized international events including the performing arts series "Evening at Pops", with the Boston Pops Orchestra broadcast nationally by PBS where the acclaimed actress/dancer Leslie Caron stated about Miriam and her partner :“… " ...if I had to choose among tango dancers in the world, these two would be my option" .”
In June 2008 Miriam invited rising Broadway Star Leonardo Barrionuevo to take part in Dance Into Unity's production "Tango Adamor" as her dance partner and associate choreographer. The two have been dancing together since.
Mastery, intensity and passion are blended in the magic of Leonardo and Miriam's partnership as they perform and teach at major Tango Festivals and shows around the world. In January 2009 the pair won a Gold Medal on "NBC's Superstars of Dance" and thereafter were invited to become choreographers on " So Yo Think You Can Dance ".
Miriam and Leonardo are choreographers of Dance Into Unity's production "Tango Adamor" dedicated to raising autism awareness. Both will take part as choreographers and performers at the charity ball "Through the Heart of Tango".
Mauro Spina
Owner, Mauro Hair Studio, Rodeo Collection,
Beverly Hills
Hair & Fashion Show
Program Coordinator
Mauro was born and raised in South East Italy's province of Puglia, and he moved to England in 1963 to complete his education. After graduating, he pursued his dream of becoming a top hair stylist. He apprenticed at Leonard's of London and went on to work at some of the most renowned London salons of that time including Elizabeth Arden and Steven Way of Bond Street.
After building his clientele, he opened his own London salon in 1967. It was a huge success and he opened a second location in 1968. As his business continued to expand, he opened the Mauro School of Hairdressing in 1972. The most talented graduates were recruited into the Mauro Artistic team, which toured the fashion capitals of Europe demonstrating the latest haircutting and coloring techniques. Over the next decade Mauro went on to open a further 8 salons.
In search of new challenges, Mauro moved to the United States in 1990. He opened a salon on fashionable Melrose Avenue and quickly gained notoriety among numerous celebrities for his natural approach and individualized care for hair. He also started development of his own range of Aromatherapy Hair Care Products. In 1997, he moved his business to a private studio in Beverly Hills, and in 2003 he made the move to Rodeo Drive. Today, he continues to work with a number of high profile clients and is also expanding his range of hair products.
Mauro is the organizer of the Hair-Fashion Show at Dance Into Unity's April fundraiser.
Alla DePalma
Hair Stylist & Designer
Mauro Hair Studio,
Rodeo Collection,
alladepalma_gmail.com
Alla is an internationally renowned hair designer and stylist recognized with multiple awards for her work including a first place win in a national hairstyling competition. More to come soon!!
Flora Poldneva
Florie Gouture,
Fashion Show
www.FlorieCouture.com
Florie boutique specializes in haute couture evening gowns, costumes and one of a kind dancewear. Owner, Flora, is a master of high end custom designs, ranging from elegant classics, to modern and trendy wear as well as retro styles. She is also skilled in the art of jewelry design, accessories, and interior design.
Florie Couture is located in Beverly Hills. A resident of over 15 years, the elite boutique, has developed an outstanding reputation amongst a high profile clientele, including the most renowned names in Hollywood.
Flora is developing a unique tango collection just for this event, which will be featured in the fashion show on April 21-22, 2012.
Cole Flint
Dance Into Unity
"Match A Friend" Coach
Autism Activist
Cole hails from Omaha, Nebraska where he spent much of his childhood at his family owned ranch and where early on he learned to ride horses and care for animals.
During his high school years he met an autistic boy whom he was drawn to help. Cole started to visit the boy's family on a regular basis and shortly thereafter became his friend and caretaker. It was so rewarding to watch the progress of his autistic friend that after graduating high school, Cole decided to study Special Ed.
In 2010, Cole moved to Los Angeles where he met Adam, a 17 year-old teen with a severe case of autism. For 7 months (Nov. 2010 - June 2011) Cole lived at Adam's home as Adam's friend/carataker. Adam became very attached to Cole and because of this connection made amazing progress. After Cole moved out to complete his undegraduate studies, the practically non-verbal Adam kept looking for his friend and repeating: "Cole... Cole...".
The miracle of such a connection inspired the "Match A Friend" project, currently in its pilot stage.
In January 2012 Cole joined the Dance Into Unity team as "Match A Friend" Coach and autism activist.
Vlad ( Vladimir) Estrin
Founder,
Tango Afficionado
Marketing & Promotions
Vlad's interest in tango started in his early childhood, while listening to his father and grandmother play tango themes at the piano.
His passion for the dance, and dedication to building the tango community, both local and international, has made him one of the most recognized names in the Southern California Tango Community.
An acclaimed instructor, performer, organizer and producer, Vlad serves as the Tango ambassador to varios cultural events. In 2006 he co-produced the "El Corazon Del Tango", the first Dance Into Unity production to raise autism awareness. In 2008 Vladimir was on the PR/Marketing team of Dance Into Unity's stage production "Tango Adamor".
Vlad runs www.TangoAfficionado.com, an international on-line information resource for Argentine Tango. Every Monday he hosts his own "DIVO" milonga (tango social) in the chic area of Santa Monica.
TBA
Event Coordinator TBA
This page is under construction
EVENT COORDINATORS
Dinner-Dance & Show: PERFORMERS & MC's
List of Performers
Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo , Television & Broadway Stars, Gold Champions of NBC 2009 "Superstars of Dance", Choreographers of Argentine Tango at "So You Think You Can Dance".
Principle Dancers
Carlos Barrionuevo & Mayte Valdes , Broadway cast of "Forever Tango", Founders of "TangoEarth".
Claudio Otero & Elizabeth Roccella , Founders of "Otero Dance Company"
Jane Monreal , CBS4 Morning News Reporter, Denver
Mistress of Ceremonies
John Tice . Founder and host of milonga "El Ricon"
MC/DJ of Milonga
Miriam Larici &
Leonardo Barrionuevo
T elevision & Broadway Stars, Gold Champions of NBC 2009 "Superstars of Dance", Choreographers of Argentine Tango at "So You Think You Can Dance".
Miriam Larici was born in Matheu a little town of Buenos Aires Argentina. Introduced to the world of dance at the age of five, she trained in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Flamenco, Acrobatic and Tango. It was the very essence of disciplines and techniques of the dance that her teachers and coaches began to revere her artistry. Audiences awaited her prestigious career as a performer to unfold.
Ms Larici, began her international reputation as an extraordinary performer, instructor and choreographer. Her premiere performance included tours with several tango companies in Japan, NHK, wowow Japanese TV. In Argentina she danced roles in the Broadway shows 42nd St. and the famous musical Me and My Girl, where she was received by audiences praising her with standing ovations.
Ms. Laricis first Hollywood movie by Warner Bros, was the MAMBO KINGS, she continued to delight viewers on numerous Argentinean, Mexico, England, Canada, United States, KBS Korean Broadcast and Japan TV programs.
Famous as the image of the show FOREVER TANGO, Miriam mesmerized viewers and critics with her artistic elegance. Her truest aspiration took her on a tour of the world, Japan, Korea, Portugal, London England, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, Bermuda Island, Spoleto Festival, Mexico, and most distinguished theatres in the United States and Canada.
She was invited to perform for a performing arts series Evening at Pops, with Boston Pops Orchestra nationally broadcasted by PBS. It was at that performance, the acclaim dancer Leslie Caron stated If I had to choose among tango dancers in the world, these two would be my option.
Miriam attained one of her childhood dreams when she danced at the Colon Theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in FOREVER TANGO. She became a Broadway Star after performing two years at the theaters Walter Kerr and Marquis of Times Square on Broadway.
Leonardo Barrionuevo has trained in an exquisite Tango style with some of the best Milongueros of the night of Buenos Aires as well as in contemporary dance, jazz and partner technique. He has performed and/or choreographed in many tango shows in Argentina, Europe and Latin America. These includes: "Tango Sur", "Adios Pampa Mia," "Una Noche de Tango","Tango Evolution" in Italy 2002, and "Che Tango" in the "Cafe Tortoni" in Buenos Aires Argentina.
He has also future with one of the most famous Tango orchestra of Argentina "Juan de Dios Filiberto." In 2005 he toured with the show "Sabor a Tango" throughout Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.
