MANSFIELD — Some wore boots. Some wore ballet slippers. Some wore the same pair of sneakers they wear every other day.
Whatever the footwear, more than 100 people came together for the third annual Boots and Ballet fundraiser presented by the Neos Dance Theatre and the Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center Saturday, May 6 at the equestrian center, 569 South Trimble Rd.
“With two organizations — Neos Dance Theatre and the Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center — joining teams to make this happen, we feel like we can really make a much greater impact … and better fill this beautiful space,” said Bobby Wesner, director of Neos. “It’s something I don’t know if any one organization could do by itself.”
The evening began as a Kentucky Derby night. People bet on and watch the Kentucky Derby on a giant screen, but later they finish the evening by watching a dance performance.
“We get to really use this thing as a means to show the widest variety of different programing we have to offer,” Wesner said.
The performance included contemporary, classical and more creative modern pieces, too. Special guests – singer, Joseph Lenahan and the Richland Newhope dance troupe – performed during intermissions.
Two auctions – one live and one silent – also took place throughout the evening to support the nonprofits. The live auction featured “world famous” homemade pies, which sold for more than $500, framed art and other items that also sold at high bids.
“It’s for a good cause,” said the auctioneer, coaxing people in the crowd to bid a little higher.
Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center director of operations, Tara Corrigan said Wesner approached her a few years ago interested in a partnership. She suggested a derby day event, but said Wesner coined the phrase “boots and ballet.”
“I came to the space to tour it years ago, and it was such a beautiful setting that I wanted to see dance in it,” Wesner said.
The show has consistently grown each year.
