Local ballet teacher/choreographer gives back June 29 to hospital that got her on her feet
LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2013) — Catherine Round likes to tell her ballet students that with the proper technique, they can “dance until they’re 100.” But a terrible accident five years ago nearly curtailed her own ability.
It was the staff at California Hospital Medical Center that got her back on her feet again, and now, Round has found a way to give back. Her 2nd annual Pay-It-Forward: An Evening of Dance to Benefit California Hospital Medical Center will be held June 29 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.
In 2008, Round, who began dancing when she was 5, stopped to help a fender-bender along Interstate 10 near downtown Los Angeles. As she stepped out of her car to help, another vehicle crashed into hers, which then hit her. The collision left her with a cracked skull and sacrum, and a torn meniscus.
After the accident, Round was treated at California Hospital Medical Center. The hospital staff’s initial care and support were key to her recovery. Two weeks later, Round was back in the studio, teaching from a walker, correcting her students, and ensuring they remembered proper technique for dancing longevity.
“They took care of me. They got me back on my feet so I could dance again and teach again,” she said. “I’ve made it my goal to help them raise money so they can keep helping people like they helped me.”
More than 50 dancers from C. Round Ballet Works, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet, Pasadena's Lineage Dance Company, and other professionals will showcase classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance on June 29.
The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St. Tickets are $40 and available atwww.thelatc.org/2013/additional-events/ Net proceeds will go to the hospital.
The first benefit performance was held last year at Lineage Dance Studio in Pasadena. The intimate sold-out event raised $1,600 for the hospital. This year, Round’s goals are bigger.
“We’re now performing in a 300-seat theater and doing more than 20 pieces of amazing and diverse work. I’m excited to raise even more money for the hospital and proud to showcase the incredible work of my students and other dancers,” said Round, who is directing, choreographing and producing the event.
C. Round Ballet Works, started five years ago by Catherine Round, is a place where adults can begin, come back or advance their technique and artistry in ballet. Round views ballet technique as a practice, like yoga, that will allow dancers to not only focus on artistry, but also the strength necessary to help them dance until they’re 100.