Dancer Pays Tribute to Friend who Died at Pulse

The Central Florida Ballet will commemorate the 15th Anniversary attack on the World Trade Center with its stirring performance "9/11 An American Moment” to be held at Northland, A Church Distributed this Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:00pm.

David William Scott will be a featured performer and sat down to share his thoughts on the production - and the personal impact of the Pulse attack in Orlando.
 
Where were you when you heard about the 9/11 attack?
I was in school in between two classes. They made an announcement that school was cancelled for the rest of the day and to go straight home.

What does dancing in this tribute performance mean to you?
It's a honor to be asked to perform in this show. I previously had been living in NYC that summer and I knew a couple of friends who had lost a loved one. I always dedicate my performance to them.

In the performance, you will be dancing a pas de deux titled "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. It's a very emotional piece with lots of lifts. What do you think about when you perform the piece? How do you connect with your partner emotionally?
Jenna is a beautiful dancer and I feel as if we have a great chemistry together. As I perform this piece I try to emote the beauty and emotion this piece requires. It is a little difficult with all of the lifts but Jenna is great and is very dedicated.

Do you know anyone affected by the Pulse attack? If so, tell us more.
I lost a very dear friend in the Pulse attack: Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado ❤️. He was an amazing dancer, father and most of all friend . I've been to the nightclub on numerous times growing up. It was very hard for me when I first found out because I was supposed to be there that night but decided I should stay in instead. It has made me a stronger person and reminds me to tell my friends and family how much I love them everyday. 

Pictured: Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, a victim of the Pulse attack.

Have you been to New York and if so, what is your most memorable experience there?
I had the opportunity to dance with the School of American Ballet for their year-long program. I absolutely loved it. My most memorable experience was being asked to do a dance photo shoot in Central Park!

Do you have any pre-performance rituals and how do you prepare?
I always review my choreography before I go out and dedicate my performance to someone (usually my mom!)

Anything special we should know about your performance on Sunday?
It's hard to believe that it's been 15 years since this has happened. I am so thankful for the opportunity to perform and this performance will be dedicated to those who have lost a loved one at Pulse.

Pictured: David William Scott

To purchase tickets for the 9/11 Tribute Performance visit: http://www.myboxoffice.us/program/911-an-american-moment-784 or call the Central Florida Ballet at 407-849-9948 ext 10

Use code: northland for 50% off your ticket order (valid for tickets up to $30)

Israel Rodriguez Talks 9/11 and Upcoming Tribute Performance

The Central Florida Ballet will commemorate the 15th Anniversary attack on the World Trade Center with its stirring performance "9/11 An American Moment” to be held at Northland, A Church Distributed this Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:00pm.

Audience favorite, Israel Rodriguez, will be a featured performer and sat down to share his thoughts on the production.

Where were you when you heard about the 9/11 attack?
I was in my apartment when my wife, Katia Garza, woke me up. At that point we thought it was just a fatal airplane accident.

What does dancing in this tribute performance mean to you?
It does mean a lot to me. I can't imagine what those families go through every year at this time. I wish I could do more. It is an honor to be part of this tribute to them.

In the performance, you will be dancing a solo titled "That's Life" sung by Frank Sinatra. It's a very New York piece. Who choreographed the piece and what is the inspiration behind the choreography?
The choreographer is the talented Terrance Henderson. We all know we live in a life full of “ups and down”. When I dance this piece, I don't think only of my own "ups and downs" I have gone through but also my friend's and family's. That is my inspiration!!

Have you been to New York and if so, what is your most memorable experience there?
Yes I have and I love New York. I remember one day I was running late for an audition for the “Dirty Dancing“ Broadway show. Then I got there and they told me I had to sing to get the part Haa! and nope I cannot sing to save my life.

What NY tourist spot would you recommend to visit?
I would say all of them but I would recommend the New York Public Library.

Pictured: The New York Public Library

Do you have any pre-performance rituals and how do you prepare?
I always thank God for the opportunity given and then pray for my and everyone's health and success on the show then, I listen to music.

The way I prepare may be a bit different. Besides my daily classes and rehearsals, I practice and train a lot of Martial arts, boxing and running like if I will fight for a title :)

Anything special we should know about your performance on Sunday?
We all will be dancing from our heart. We will be celebrating the life of those who left us, we will dance for Orlando.

To purchase tickets for the performance visit: http://www.myboxoffice.us/program/911-an-american-moment-784 or call the Central Florida Ballet at 407-849-9948 ext 10

Use code: northland for 50% off your ticket order (valid for tickets up to $30 and expires 9.9.2016)

9/11 Tribute Performance Announced

The Central Florida Ballet will commemorate the 15th Anniversary attack on the World Trade Center with its’ stirring performance entitled “9/11 An American Moment” - to be held at Northland, A Church Distributed on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:00pm.

Created in 2006, “9/11 An American Moment” is an original production that pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 and to the first responders, armed forces, fire fighters, and law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect our country. The production captures the poignancy of tested and proven American patriotism; her courage, faith, resolve and pride in response to the World Trade Center attack.

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During the hour-long performance various types of dance are featured and take you through a storyline of scenes describing the before, during, and after the attack. It gets “very real” with the inclusion of news-broadcast sound bites and a depiction of a child praying on the loss of her father after the disaster.

“With the recent Pulse tragedy, this performance has an even greater impact on our community." says Vasile Petrutiu, Founder and Executive Director of the Central Florida Ballet. "We hope to use this performance to continue uniting our community and a portion of proceeds will benefit the One Orlando Fund. We are also giving veterans, first responders, and family members of a Pulse/9-11 victim or survivor a free ticket."

New for the 15th Anniversary tribute will be audience favorites: Israel Rodriguez and David William Scott who are featured among a cast of local talent. Furthermore, the Boone High School Choir was selected to open the performance.

CFB's production received national recognition in 2007 by the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. The Honorable Tom Feeney recognized Central Florida Ballet as “the only company in the Nation to have choreographed a ballet based on this fateful day.”

 Photo from Central Florida Ballet's 9/11 An American Moment production

Tickets are $20 standard viewing area, $30 prime viewing area, or $50 VIP Donation (and is tax-deductible). Tickets can be purchased online or be made by calling the Central Florida Ballet – Box Office at 407.849.9948.

ORDER TICKETS FOR THE PERFORMANCE HERE

About the Central Florida Ballet: Innovative ballet productions, educational programs, and international partnerships are the keystones of the Central Florida Ballet with glowing recognition from ABC News, CNN, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and the U.S. House of Representatives. The Central Florida Ballet is a not-for-profit organization.