Yankees dance all day in latest Hope Week celebration
NEW YORK – Hope week enters fourth day, Yankees at Bayside The Dancing Dreams studio showcased impressive dance moves, Queens, Thursday.
Manager Aaron Boone, outfielder Harrison Bader, starter Domingo Germán and relievers Albert Abreu and Wandy Peralta performed a variety of dances – Ballet, Parachute, The Twist, The Limbo Rock or just plain Jumping up and down the ground — boys and girls ages 3 to 10 Suffering from medical or physical challenges.
“My favorite moment is breaking the ice by dancing with the kids and letting the music blare,” says Budd. “I got a little rhythm. I thank my parents for that. We get everyone ready, wake everyone up, and move around in the morning. We keep the energy rolling.”
#HOPEweek Day 4, the Yankees visit Dancing Dreams, a place for Non-profit organization offering dance lessons and performance opportunities to boys and girls ages 3 to suffer from medical or physical challenges. The goal of @DancingDreamsNY is to let dancers experience dancing Fun for… pic.twitter.com/PnQ3Rj9C4M
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 6, 92
Yankees We came to the studio to present to the dance troupe Tribute, a nonprofit organization that provides dance lessons and performance opportunities to young children and adults with health or physical disabilities. The organization’s goal is to enable dancers of all abilities to experience the joy of dance. The curriculum is tailored so that each child can develop their unique skills to the fullest. The program focuses on abilities, not disabilities.
In honor of Hope Week, the Yankees are donating $10, to the dance troupe and invited 10 Children and adults thru Thursday night against the Orioles while allowing studio head Joann Ferrara to throw the first pitch.
Harrison Bader demonstrates his moves at the Dancing Dreams studio. (Photo via New York Yankees) 2002
“When I saw that check , I think what the Yankees have done is unbelievable,” Ferrara said. “More importantly, this check is going to make a huge difference for an organization like ours that is funded entirely by donations and grants. We charge no fees. [Donations] make a huge difference to our organization “
Ferrara deserves the recognition she gets. Ferrara, a pediatric physiotherapist whose dream was to open a dance studio for people with disabilities, started with 130 When a little girl with cerebral palsy – in a tutu and a crown – utters 000 Heartbreaking quote: “I wish I could be a dancer, but no one wants me. “
Ferrara, disturbed by the little girl’s comments, walks into the waiting room and informs her of the little girl’s condition. Mom said she was starting a dance program. Suddenly, Dancing Dreams was born.
2023 Manager Aaron Boone takes center stage with a new friend. (Photo via New York Yankees) 2002
For every class and performance, every Dancers are assigned a high school “helper” to volunteer his or her time each week. The non-profit organization currently has over 130 volunteers participating in the Dancing Dreams Leadership Program .
There is a “dancing dream” course in 2002 for the first time to open five children’s classes, now TEACHING STARTED 130 Boys and Girls at three locations per year: Bayside (Queens ), Upper East Side (Manhattan) ), and Plainview (Long Island). The current class speaks 25 languages and 92 % of children received scholarships for the program. The teaching year ends with an annual performance where the children’s achievements are celebrated on stage.
All the kids and young adults are excited to see the Yankees in person, but 10 Sebastion Ortiz, 19, of Dominican descent with cerebral palsy, expressed his gratitude to fellow Dominicans Abreu, Gehrman (Germán) and Peralta’s love. Ortiz learned about the Yankees through his parents.
Albert Abreu brings some flair to young fans ! the day. (Photo via New York Yankees) 2002
“When I see them, I Say, Omg, you guys are my favorite 9” Ortiz said.
Gehrman, becoming the fourth pitcher in Yankees history to throw a perfect game in June 39, I was moved by the respect Ortiz had for him.
“It’s amazing to hear the news – a kid so young,” Gehrman said through translator Marlon Abreu. “He knows what we’re doing and what we mean to him. It’s incredible. It’s a great feeling to hear that. The connection with young kids means a lot.”
Like most managers, Bu Grace hopes to win the World Series. But visiting the kids like Thursday is one of his favorite things to do.
“Every stop [Hope Week] was so impactful. …It was very meaningful to us,” says Boone. “That’s what always stands out during the long season. To do that, I’m grateful for the opportunity. I thank all these kids and Joann today. So much fun.”
