Boston Dance Alliance (BDA) is set to celebrate the achievements of four outstanding leaders in the regional dance community at its annual gala. Among the honorees are three recipients of BDA’s prestigious Dr. Michael Shannon Dance Champion Award: Ann Brown Allen, an esteemed dance educator and performer; Dianne “Lady Di” Walker, an iconic figure in tap dance; and Deborah Mason, a talented choreographer, teacher, and studio owner. Additionally, Steve Adelson, the longtime proprietor of Teddy Shoes, a renowned dancewear store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, will receive the Unsung Hero Award.
The Dr. Michael Shannon Dance Champion Award recognizes individuals over the age of 60 who have made significant contributions of their time, energy, and resources to the artform. Named in honor of the late Dr. Michael Shannon, a respected pediatric toxicologist and dedicated dancer, this award holds a special significance. Nominees are selected by members of the dance community and chosen by a panel of previous winners. The Unsung Hero Award, on the other hand, acknowledges individuals who have made invaluable contributions to dance behind the scenes, as recognized by the BDA Board of Directors.
The gala, which serves as a community fundraising event, will take place on June 15 at 6:30 PM at the Arts at the Armory in Somerville, Massachusetts. Attendees have the option to purchase tickets ranging from $25 to access the livestream event feed, to a VIP package priced at $500, which includes a reserved table for five and sponsorship for one dancer to attend free.
Debra Cash, the Executive Director of BDA, emphasizes that these awards reflect the community-centered spirit that defines the annual event. Cash explains, “Each year, BDA and the previous Dance Champions aim to honor people whose contributions have strengthened and invigorated the dance scene in Boston. With the growing list of deserving individuals, it became clear during deliberations that honoring a single Dance Champion would not adequately recognize the breadth and depth of talent in our community. The decision to have multiple winners was unanimous, and it truly embodies the essence of what we aim to celebrate.”
Among the esteemed awardees is Ann Brown Allen, a Cambridge resident who has enjoyed a remarkable four-decade-plus career as a professional dancer. Allen has performed with renowned modern and jazz ensembles in Boston and served as a guest artist with ballet companies, touring extensively across New England, New York, and Europe. She is also a dedicated member of the Boston University dance faculty, where she continues to inspire and teach dance and Pilates.
Deborah Mason, the director of the Somerville-based Performing Arts Center, which proudly bears her name, is another esteemed honoree. Having established her first studio in 1975, Mason’s center now provides classes in various dance styles to over 700 students year-round. The center’s mission emphasizes personal artistic excellence, appreciation for dance history, and a commitment to diversity. Additionally, Mason serves as the Artistic Director of the CYDP Dance Company, offering advanced students from the center valuable performance opportunities.
Dianne Walker, also known as “Lady Di,” has achieved international acclaim as one of the country’s foremost tap dancers. Based in Boston’s Hyde Park, Walker has enjoyed a remarkable 45-year career that includes Broadway performances, television appearances under the direction of Robert Altman, film roles alongside Gregory Hines in “Tap,” and numerous international engagements. Walker recently founded the Dianne Walker Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and documenting tap dance.
Last but not least, Steve Adelson, the owner of Teddy Shoes, a beloved family-run specialty dance store, will be honored with the Unsung Hero Award. Adelson joined the business in 1978, and his commitment to serving the dancewear needs of the Cambridge community has been instrumental in Teddy Shoes’ enduring success, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.
The gala promises to be a memorable occasion, shining a well-deserved spotlight on these exceptional individuals and their invaluable contributions to the Boston dance community.