Campion College hosts elegant gala evening

'Nuit en Blanc' was the last fundraising event to be staged by the Campion College Dance Society towards their tour of New York City and Boston in the United States from March 19 through to April 1. Campion College will be breaking ground as the first high-school dance troupe in the country to stage a major dance production in New York City. York College in Queens invited the multi-award- winning troupe as part of their celebration of Jamaica 55th anniversary of Independence, given the strong presence of Jamaicans in the community. Almost 50 dance society members are slated to travel along with a technical team, artistic team, and chaperones.

The society decided to stage this high-end, exclusive, all -white soiree in the school's enchanting courtyard, which was spearheaded by Khaleel and Nicola Azan. Dwright Wright, artistic director of the dance society, coordinated a programme of high-quality, moving performances, including a tribute to Campion English teacher Simone Whyte-Thomas, a long-standing supporter of the society, who died suddenly two weeks ago.

"Nuit en Blanc was exactly how I imagined it," he explained. "I know the dancers will do us all proud in New York and we look forward to their continued artistic development, which will be showcased at the society's annual show this July at the Little Theatre."

Silent auction

A silent auction was also staged throughout the evening, in which patrons bid on several items. This was coordinated by Campion alum Rebecca Tortello Greenland. There was also an on-the-spot donation of $250,000 to the group's efforts by Milade Azan, chief executive officer of Azan Super Centre.

The group is still short of funding to finance the tour. Donations can be made to the school in the form of a cheque to Campion College Dance Society. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at yorkpac.com.