On May 1st, Chiara Gorodesky, TC Team Member and founder of vildwerk., a new non-profit organization raising global environmental conservation awareness through the performing arts based in New York City, hosted its Inaugural Performance and Gala Dinner marking the beginning of a groundbreaking initiative. As the founder of vildwerk., Gorodesky passionately expressed the urgent need for action in the face of the ongoing global crisis. She emphasized her unique position, working at the intersection of conservation and dance, which allows her to witness the pressing challenges firsthand and is therefore able to merge these two worlds in a unique manner.
Gorodesky pointed out the lack of representation of the messages of conservation organizations on stage. She highlighted the immense efforts of these organizations, working tirelessly in the field to protect and preserve the environment.
Recognizing the power of the arts to inspire and touch people's hearts, vildwerk.'s vision revolves around collaboration with leading, international conservation organizations, including TC, aiming to amplify their voices and showcase their stories.
In 2024, vildwerk. plans to stage its first season when it will present a medley of works by leading choreographers and artists all with a theme of wildlife conservation.
Award winning choreographer and Gala Dinner Chairman Christopher Wheeldon OBE, expressed his excitement about the organization's mission. He praised the unique approach of bringing choreographers and composers together with conservationists and environmentalists, creating art that can drive tangible change. Wheeldon revealed that he would be one of the first choreographers to present new work for vildwerk. at its opening season in 2024.
Photos by Hisae Aihara
The gala featured a world premiere by choreographer Joshua Beamish entitled The Golden Tortoise, performed by former Royal Ballet Principal Mara Galeazzi, with music by Felipe Perez Santiago. “Golden Tortoise” is a tribute to the Ploughshare Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora), one the rarest species of tortoise on the planet and native to Madagascar. Almost poached to extinction with fewer than 150 left in the wild, TC Board Member Professor Russell Mittermeier and TC Senior Conservation Scientist Professor James Juvik worked with Beamish during the choreographic creation process of the work.
Emmy award winning MC of the evening, Sergey Gordeev concluded with "what can YOU do for our planet?", recognizing the power of the performing arts as a force for change and calling upon all the attendees to contribute to saving our planet. vildwerk.
Read more about this event in this article by New York Social Diary
Photos by Patrick McMullen Company