S: Is for socializing

One of the highest rated shows on television is Dancing with the Stars, so it comes as no surprise that The American Ballroom Theater Company announced its 25th Anniversary. A Gala Dinner Dance took place to benefit Dancing Classrooms, a not-for profit, arts-in-education program set up in 1994 to teach ballroom dancing in inner-city schools. Under the leadership of ABrT’s director, Pierre Dulaine, the program was expanded to 230 New York City Public schools, teaching ballroom dancing to 30,000 students. The program has also been replicated and is being implemented in 12 other national cities. Despite the economic climate and lower levels of participation in schools, due to shortage of education funding, ABrT is pushing forward with its mission. They plan to bring the program to Europe this year, starting in Geneva , Switzerland and Birmingham, England. Pierre Dulaine had an award-winning career as a dancer but wanted more, so he started volunteering to teach 5th Grade children at a school on West 48th Street to dance. He quickly saw how a social development program, utilizing ballroom dancing as a vehicle to break down social barriers, could change the lives of not only the children but also the lives of their teachers and parents. “The maturity necessary to dance together fosters teamwork, confidence and a sense of joy and accomplishment. Ballroom dance is the medium we use to nurture these qualities,” says Dulaine. His work became widely known through the award-winning documentary “Mad Hot Ballroom” and the New Line movie “Take the Lead” in which he was played by Antonio Banderas. The ABrT benefit took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 7pm in the Grand Ballroom of the Roosevelt Hotel on Madison Avenue at 45th Street , New York. Dance performances were given by the American Ballroom Theater Youth Dance Company and the World Ballroom Champions, Jonathan Wilkins and Hazel Newberry. Broadway and Cabaret star Karen Akers entertained the 300 guests which included Bebe Neuwirth, Kevin Mackenzie, Barbara Cook, Bill Cunningham and Vanessa Williams, to name a few.

Even in hard times people gather together to give children a sense of accomplishment and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for truth in humor

Since Valentine's Day is coming up I decided to lighten up. Sometimes humor teaches us in a easier fashion. Some of the problems our country is facing right now are uncontested contracts, greed and foreign companies getting American contracts. Maybe the following has more truth than humor to it.

Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House in DC:

One is from New York, another is from
Tennessee and the third, is from Florida .
All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.

The Florida contractor takes out a tape measure with a pencil.
"Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me."

The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, "I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me."

The New York contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, "$2,700."

The official, incredulous, says,
"You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"

The New York contractor whispers back, "$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence."

"Done!" replies the government official.

And that, my friends, is how government contracting works! And this is one possible F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Coveting Lust

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A: Is for Art that Entertains

There have been many Literary Hoaxes that enrapt an audience and when discovered send them into a mob scene. The most recent untruth was woven by The Rosenblats in Angel at the Fence. At first this story touched the heart of it's readers until it was discovered that it was a lie. Herein lies the crux of what Shipwrecked! An Entertainment The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont as told by himself is about. Louis de Rougemont tells his tale of adventure that left England spellbound in the 19th century. In Donald Margulies' play, de Rougemont, a would-be explorer, invites you to hear his amazing story of bravery, survival and celebrity. Dare to be whisked away in a story of exotic islanders, rustic vessels and the high seas. Shipwrecked! examines how far we're willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world. As Louise de Rougemont Michael Countryman adds just the right amount of credibility, charming boyishness as he draws us into the magical realm of his imagination. Jeremy Bobb and Donnetta Lavinia Grays play all rest of the characters, sound effects and animals and nearly steal the show. Grays shines as the greedy captain and Bobbs is sensational as Louis' dog, Bruno, the Queen of England and as a scientific disbeliever. There are no spectacular effects on this bare stage, it is the art of storytelling itself that is the star and it shows in a time of overstimulation why this form has lasted so long. Neil Patel's open set allow for a clear voyage. The lighting by Stephen Strawbridge was effective and the Victorian garb designed by Michael Krass was seamless. But it is the music and sound design by John Gromada that dominates this production. Directed with intelligence and wit by Lisa Patterson this production by Primary Stages is truly and Entertainment. Playing until March 7th at 59 East 59th

F: IS FOR FOOD THAT'S FOR LOVERS

With Valentine's Day just around the corner this column is dedicated to lovers, friends and those just in the mood for romance. First up food: Looking for the special place to knock someone's socks off try Corton. Given 3 stars by the New York Times and the only 6 star review ever published by Time Out New York, this TriBeCa fine dining establishment is already a step away from greatness. Their three-course prix fixe menu at $79 is decadent culinary taste treat. Here's a sampling from their menu. Appetizers: Foie Gras with Hibiscus-Beet Gelée, Blood Orange Hamachi, Black Winter Truffle Smoked Pasta, with Gouda. Entree's: Black Angus Beef Sirloin, Short Rib, Horseradish Bone Marrow Crust, Pheasant Cassoulet of Coco Beans, Red Cabbage, Juniper Oil and Lamb Rack, Braised Neck, Coffee-Cardamom Jus and for dessert: White Chocolate Palette Pistachio, Grapefruit, Red Wine
or Dark Chocolate Whisky Fondant Hazelnut, Miso Ice Cream. Better make a reservation ASAP as the decor is simple yet elegant 212-219-2777. Crouton is located at 239 W. Broadway, nr. Walker St. If you are really hungry there is an eight-course tasting menu, at $110. The French wine list includes a special section for bottles between $32 and $55.

If you are looking for something on a less expensive level I do recommend Tony DiNapoli whose cuisine I wrote about on the 28th. Really a restaurant for at least 2 there food is out of this world and will have you sharing and possibly feeding each other. Now that's amore and a heavenly F.A.C.T.