Edison Arts Foundation Honors first African-American Principal Dancer of The Houston Ballet

HOUSTON, TX, MAY 2018 – On May 5, 2018, the Edison Arts Foundation will host Tutus and Tuxes, a fundraising Gala, at the Missouri City Community Center.  The event, hosted by Fox 26, Jonathan Martin will honor legendary ballerina Lauren Anderson with the Legacy Award, and fund AnDance along with other arts programs.  Also a long-time supporter of The Edison Arts Foundation,  beloved deceased Houston City Council Member, Larry Green will be honored at the gala with a tribute.

The Edison Arts Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the Fort Bend and Greater Houston community, and families in it, through education in the arts. It funds the Alice Nealie Dance Jr. Company (ANDance), the nonprofit dance company housed in the Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance (FBAAD). ANDance builds self-esteem and confidence in dancers ages seven through eighteen, equipping them with discipline, developing artistry, and improving technique. The company provides members with the opportunity to regularly perform, practice, and develop these skills so that they are prepared for career paths in realm of professional dance.

ANDance has had proven success placing its dancers in real-world professional dance settings. Members have danced under the instruction of legendary companies such as The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. They have performed for the public figures and organizations like the NAACP, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Councilmember Larry Green. In 2016, ANDance accompanied Misty Copeland in the production of “Cinderella.”

ANDance, FBAAD, and The Edison Arts Foundation are under the ownership of founder, Charity Carter. She has performed and taught dance for over 25 years. She studied dance along with education and business at Sam Houston State University, has taught at various schools in the Houston area, and is now the Fine Arts Liaison at Jean Hines Caldwell Elementary.

The Tutus and Tuxes Gala will be held at 6pm May 5, 2018 at the Missouri City Community Center.  Table sponsorships are available starting at $500.00, general admission for $50. For donation information, tickets, and Edison Arts Foundation information, visit www.edisonartsfoundation.org or call 832-388-1039 for interviews.