Ballet Dancers to Rock CAC for Earthquake Relief

When Adrienne Canterna heard about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan March 11, she knew she had to help. And she knew just how to do it.

Canterna organized “Dance for Japan,” a benefit concert 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC), 194 Hammonds Ln., Brooklyn Park. Dancers from her husband’s company, “Bad Boys of Dance,” and other troupes will perform at the free concert. Whatever donations are collected will be given to the American Red Cross, which will distribute the money to earthquake relief efforts.

In looking for a way to help, Canterna said she knew a benefit would be perfect based on the reception she received after the first one she had organized following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“We raised $5,000 in just one night,” she said. “When [the Japan earthquake] happened, we were so upset. We needed to do something. The only thing we can do is dance, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Canterna pulled together the event in a matter of days, despite being in Europe with her husband, Rasta Thomas, to promote “Rock the Ballet,” Bad Boys of Dance’s show that has performed around Europe and Russia. Having friends and family who are dancers, including her sister, Ashley Canterna Hardy, and her sister-in-law, Alicia Canterna, and eager to participate helped, she said.

The show is special for the Canterna family for another reason: Both Alicia Canterna and Hardy are returning to dancing after recently giving birth.

Adrienne Canterna also expressed gratitude to the CAC for allowing their space to be used for free.

Arts center officials were happy to donate the use of their facility, spokeswoman Jill Madsen said.

“We host dance classes and shows and one of our theaters seats 800 people. It’s a perfect venue,” she said. “It’s a chance for us to give back.”

Because “Rock the Ballet” is so popular overseas right now, Bad Boys of Dance hasn’t been able to perform locally as Canterna would like, so this is a way for her other friends and family to see the show.

“When the opportunity arises to perform here, people want to see it happen. Unfortunately, it has to happen after bad events or natural disasters,” she said. 

Editor's Note: This article has been updated. It incorrectly stated the day the Dance for Japan event takes place. It takes place Thursday.