Hartford, Connecticut – On May 12, the stage was set, and the stars were out for a noble cause – the fourth annual Stars Dancing for Parkinson’s competition. This inspiring event, which saw eight amateur dancers paired with professional partners, was not just about the razzle-dazzle of dance; it was about harnessing the transformative power of dance to support wellness programs at the David and Rhoda Chase Family Movement Disorders Center.
The competition is the brainchild of Dr. J. Antonelle de Marcaida, the medical director of the Chase Movement Disorders Center, part of the Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute. Dr. de Marcaida, who herself competed in the first edition of the competition with her husband, Vlad, a professional dancer, noted, “We do what we do because we have seen them fight just as tenaciously, just as unyieldingly, just as indomitably through the years they’ve had to battle Parkinson’s and its relentless effect on their lives.”
This year’s competition, marked by passionate performances, raised considerable funds for wellness programs at the Chase Movement Disorders Center. Karen Goyette, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, took home the top prize. Dancing to “Rewrite the Stars” with her partner Gunnar Sverrison, Goyette dedicated her performance to her late father, who battled Parkinson’s. Goyette’s performance resonated with the compassionate approach of Dr. de Marcaida, who she praised for her unwavering support to patients and families.
However, it wasn’t just the competition that left the audience spellbound. Professional dancer Elizabeth Zymovets, who teamed up with amateur dancer Keith Grand, delivered an unforgettable performance with her professional partner Vlad Astafiev. Elizabeth and Vlad, known for their dynamism and perfect synchrony, performed two professional shows, a testament to their prowess and skill. With only two months of practice, Elizabeth and Keith’s routine included four daring lifts and a series of complex dance steps, adding a new level of excitement to the event.
Elizabeth has established herself as a formidable presence in the dance domain, excelling in her roles as a dancer, teacher, and adjudicator. Originally from Germany, she relocated two years ago and has since made substantial strides in her career. Her achievements are numerous and impressive, mirroring the considerable progress of her students. This correlation suggests that Elizabeth’s success not only lies in her personal performance but also in her ability to effectively impart her knowledge and skills to others. Her accomplishments, therefore, extend beyond her personal dance career and influence the development of others in the dance world.
Elizabeth’s stunning performances with both Keith and Vlad were a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. With Vlad, she showcased high-level professional skills that left the audience in awe. Their performances were a confluence of grace, strength, and seamless coordination, a demonstration of professional dance at its finest.
Stars Dancing for Parkinson’s has, once again, proved that dance, in its most vibrant form, can be a powerful force for community support and fundraising. This event perfectly combined the exhilaration of dance with the spirit of giving, creating a ripple effect of positivity in the Hartford community’s ongoing fight against Parkinson’s. This successful event promises to return next year, continuing its legacy of dance, unity, and resilience.
