The Stars of New York Dance: Cheryl Todmann makes God-sized dreams a reality

THE STARS OF NEW YORK DANCE

Cheryl Todmann is the creative force behind The Stars of New York Dance, an annual dance competition that partners New York City (NYC) Community Leaders with Professional Dance Artists to raise dance scholarship funds for children from low-income communities. Todmann’s NYC version of Dancing with the Stars was inspired by God and the popular dance show via her desire to grow as a dancer and reach a broader audience with her Jewel and Rock Fitness program. During the five years that it took to make this God-sized dream a reality, Todmann overcame challenges and stayed focused on the goal to raise funds that will help children receive high-quality dance and arts education that develops the discipline, confidence and self-esteem to succeed.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

“Getting over my fear to do it,” Todmann stated as her biggest challenge in manifesting her divine idea, “I was good at producing smaller events, but this idea just seemed too big and beyond me.” Then she remembered her Pastor Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood saying, if you are given a task that is Big, Beautiful and Impossible, then it is of God and He will give you the power to do it. Todmann knew her dream would become a reality when the dance companies agreed to participate; and she secured her first community leader and sponsor, to dance and underwrite the costs of the event.

NOTE: The Stars of New York Dance competition 2012 winners were Senator Kevin Parker and dance partner Zakiya M. Harris of Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater with an old school Hip Hop routine. Because of Senator Parker's win, Asase Yaa wins $5,000 to provide five or more children from low-income communities in New York City with a free or subsidized year of high-quality dance education and training at Asase Yaa.

STAYING FOCUSED

Todmann focused on the confirmation and media interest benchmarks and milestones through the process, instead of the hurdles. In spite of major challenges, including changing the event format from a seated gala to a performance when she didn't get enough sponsorship dollars; and changing the event date and ticket pricing to manage the new format. “But God was faithful,” says Todmann, “and mentors like Susan L. Taylor and Brooklyn Council Member Letitia James helped me make it happen in 2010.”

As Founder and Executive Producer of The Stars of New York Dance, now in its 3^rd year, Cheryl Todmann saw her God-sized dream become a reality. “Each year brings triumphs and challenges, but it's so rewarding for all who participate and for the children who benefit,” stated Todmann.

DONATIONS

Donations to this worthy and thrilling fundraiser are tax-deductible and gladly welcomed. Please make donations payable to Fractured Atlas with "The Stars of New York Dance" written on the memo line, and mail to: The Stars of New York Dance, P.O. Box 170511, Times Plaza Station, Brooklyn, NY 11217 or donate online.

BIO

Cheryl Todmann also currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs for Brooklyn Community Services (BCS), one of Brooklyn’s first and largest not-for-profit social service agencies serving 10,000 children, families and adults with disabilities. Todmann previously served as the Director of Sponsorship for E.D.I.F.Y. Communities of New York, the not-for-profit arm of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in East New York. Before embarking on a cause-related career path, Todmann also enjoyed a budding marketing career at Essence Magazine, The New York Times, TV Guide and MTV Networks. Todmann holds a B.S. in Marketing Management from Syracuse University.

Be Blessed,

Jo Anne Meekins

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