Boston's Premiere Performing Arts Center Celebrates 28 Years with an Evening of Dance, Spoken Word, Music and Awards Honoring Community Leaders.
JAMAICA PLAIN, BOSTON, Oct. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center – pioneers of innovative and dynamic performing arts programs that motivate, challenge, and inspire youth to be the best they can be – will return in person for this year's Twist & Shout gala on Saturday, October 22, 2022, beginning with a VIP reception at 6:30 p.m.
The night will include an evening of dance, spoken word, and music featuring performances from the Professional Dance Division and OrigiNation alums sharing their experiences at the cultural arts center and how it's propelled them in their careers. Additionally, there will be an awards presentation honoring a few key impactful leaders within the OrigiNation community and a silent auction featuring
items donated by loyal supporters and partners, including the Boston Red Sox.
"This year's Twist & Shout gala will truly celebrate all our efforts, including the inspiring, talented, and passionate youth dancers. We will also highlight the impact of our community leaders who always keep us top-of-mind and provide us with additional ideas to keep thriving and growing," said Musau M. Dibinga, Executive Director of OrigiNation. "Two and a half years after the coronavirus outbreak, we are excited to finally be back in person to host our 28th Twist & Shout gala! Proceeds from the evening will enable us to continue to impact the youth of our city's most underserved neighborhoods, providing them with a strong foundation before thrusting themselves into the real world to chart their career paths."
Those honored during the Twist & Shout gala include Sarita Allen - A world-renowned dancer and all-around performing artist. She is a former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and a founding member and Artistic Advisor for Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Throughout Allen's stellar career, she has been a shining example of mastery and excellence! Courtney Boston – Co-Founder, Program Director, and General Manager of WWOC Media/Radio, Boston, has contributed significantly to the change in the cultural landscape of the media industry here in New England! Her style, dopeness, and love for Black people and culture have brought Black love back to our community and, more importantly, our youth! Julia Mejia- First Afro-Latina to sit on the Boston City Council, Mejia is currently the Chair of the Committee on Education, Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility, and the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development.
OrigiNation will also honor Imani-Paris-Jeffries, Executive Director of King Boston. He leads a citywide racial equity transformation through the Embrace Memorial, the Embrace Center, and community organizing efforts. His continued commitment to social justice, community activism, and education reform, along with your work for the future memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, are shining examples to our youth.
Michael Bobbit – the host for the evening - is an award-winning theater director, choreographer, and playwright who has dedicated his professional career to arts leadership. He began his tenure as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council in February 2021 and is the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts. Bobbitt serves on the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Board of Directors, and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) Board of Directors and was selected for artEquity's BIPOC Leadership Circle. He is the former Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Massachusetts, and the Adventure Theater in Maryland. Bobbitt gained extensive experience in nonprofit arts management by training at Harvard Business School's Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management.
To purchase tickets, visit http://www.bostontheatrescene.com. The $100 VIP tickets will include a 6:30 reception with a silent auction, light appetizers, and a meet & greet with the directors and special guests. Those unable to attend Twist & Shout but interested in supporting OrigiNation may do so by visiting their donation page.
Media Contact
Musau Dibinga, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, 1 6173086322, [email protected]
SOURCE OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center
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