What makes New York, New York? Many things, yet what is New York without the arts?

The Arts, the theatre and it entails is truly the pulse of Manhattan. In the words of Fran Lebowitz “Cities are built around where artists decide to congregate.”

This past year we became exceedingly aware of the significance of this pulse, and those passionate individuals who deserve recognition for keeping that beat alive during the most uncertain of times:

Enter Mr. Jose Sebastian, founder & director of Hamptons Dance Project, a summer retreat and intimate outdoor performance of NYC’s finest dancers and musicians.

 Jose created Hamptons Dance Project three years ago, inspired by his cherished memories of Summers out east, which he credits for his love of movement, influencing his career as a dancer with American Ballet Theatre. His incredibly supportive mother, Pat Sebastian, a NY public school teacher, rescued Jose from foster care at 2 1/2 years old. Pat chose to forgo higher paying jobs, to have more time with her son. And regardless of their humble means, year after year, Pat always found a way to give Jose the experience of an exuberant summer in the Hamptons.

Last year, Mr. Sebastian’s project turned into a mission, as he worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges of staging a performance during a pandemic. Nearly everyone cautioned him against it, with the exception of long-time mentor and world renown ballet mistress, Olga Kostritzky, who told Mr. Sebastian, “Life is like Everest. You have to climb it every day.” And so he did.

In the backyard of Guild Hall, a once normal occurrence, transformed into an experience of renewed gratitude for one very intimate audience, on a surreal August evening. Seated on blankets and lawn chairs beneath the stars and a canopy of tree strung lights, the performance began. On Jose’s program, Skylar Brandt performed her indelible “Dying Swan,” which she debuted on Instagram during quarantine, as part of Misty Copeland’s initiative “Swans for Relief” which raised money for the arts.

The piece was choreographed by Michel Fokine for Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, set to the hauntingly beautiful cello solo of Camille Saint-Saëns’s Le Cygne from The Carnival of the Animals. “The Dying Swan” was first premiered in the U.S. at the Metropolitan Opera House in March 1920. A truly poignant piece to be re-interpreted exactly 100 years later in the Spring of 2020. Fokine described the purpose of the dance “is to create the symbol of the everlasting struggle in this life and all that is mortal.” It is a dance of the whole body, giving the ballerina artistic liberty to draw from personal life experience. Each gesture and position, down to the tips of the fingers, signify one’s “attempting to escape death.”

Skylar’s interpretation will certainly be recalled in the history of this piece. The month following her distinguished performance, American Ballet Theatre appointed Skylar Brandt, Principal Ballerina. A title earned at an unprecedented time, which Skylar forged into an inspirational moment, exceling during the most difficult period we’ve seen in the arts.

“I wanted to come out of the pandemic stronger and better than I had entered it, so I invested all of my time and energy into preparing myself for the full-length ballet as best I could.” noted Skylar.

And the work paid off. The day before our photoshoot at Arthur Elgort’s legendary Soho studio, Ms. Brandt, in a feat of mental, physical and emotional preparation, debuted all four acts of Swan Lake with the Boca Ballet Theatre, alongside her self-appointed partner and newly minted Principal ABT Dancer, Aran Bell.  I’ve been following this spectacular duo on Instagram for a unique behind the scenes glimpse into their daily practice sessions and coachings, which has become a highlight of my social media scroll.

Also, on the program was ABT soloist, Catherine Hurlin, nicknamed Hurricane by her colleagues, due to the way she fearlessly challenges the floor upon which she dances.

Ms. Hurlin’s poise and grace was noticed by Arthur Elgort early on, as he first photographed Catherine at the beginning of her career in 2015. A photograph that can be found in Mr. Elgort’s recent book titled Ballet.

Super-Star ballerinas, Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside, performed a piece choreographed by James and set to the live vocals by musical artist, Rozzi. Isabella and James created and recorded daily pop dances which they shared on Instagram while quarantined together. From a stunning outdoor floating stage performance of Swan Lake to ballet-inspired workout routines, this dynamic pair always keeps us on our toes.

Finally, when tap dancer Demi Remick took to the stage her glowing red lipstick smile and vivacity was electric as she tapped to a self-choreographed version of “Honeysuckle Rose” Last year she was introduced to Mr. Sebastian, who loves and respects tap, and through performing alongside the ballerinas has become part of their ABT family.

This performance was a silver lining on a terribly unstable year, and I personally drew immeasurable solace and energy from everyone involved. Our two-day photoshoot was my way of giving thanks and documenting the significance of that shining positivity, reminding us that the brightest light is found in darkness.   

This season the HDP performance will take place on artist Mary Bayes Ryan’s 19-acre farm on the water in Springs, as seen in this editorial spread. I had the opportunity to take a tour of Mary’s charming home adorned with her beautiful paintings. Mary, who passed away in 2014, was a regular at the annual Guild Hall Artist Members Exhibition. People who knew Mary only have the very best things to say about her infinite generosity and willingness to open her property to foster children summer camps, farmers and artists. Her sons, Oliver and Maxwell Ryan of NY have continued and expanded on this extraordinary legacy.

The performances will take place on August 13th, 14th and 15th at Fireplace Farm in Springs.

Visit (www.HamptonsDanceProject.com) for information on tickets and how to donate.