Choreographer's Showcase Collects 400 Toys for Tots

recently hosted a Toys for Tots Benefit at Bayport-Blue Point's James Wilson Young Middle School, featuring performances by nine dance companies from across Long Island.

Titled Toys for Tots, A Choreographer's Showcase, the event included an excerpt of , by Bayport's .

The benefit collected Mmore than 400 toys, according to Arrhythmia's Daniel Longo, a Bayport resident who owns the company with Joseph Crescimanno. The event was attended by approximately 200 people who came from as far away as Nassau County.   

Longo was proud of the success of Arrthymia's first Toys for Tots showcase.

"We're planning on doing it again next year," he said.

Sgt. Hannon and Cpl. Ramos were on hand to collect the toys for the Marine Corps program. The men said their seasonal job as Toys for Tots participants is very rewarding.

"When we see the kids pick up the toys and see the looks on their faces, that's the best," Cpl. Ramos said.   

Dancers were also at their best, practicing and stretching in the hallway next to the Middle School auditorium just before the show.  

Gina Licata, a 16-year-old dancer from Holtsville described the atmosphere just before a dance show or competition as both "nervous and exciting."  Her dance company's ritual is a pre-performance gathering.

"We usually get together and talk before we go on," Licata said.

Dancers said they enjoy benefit event performances.

"For those less fortunate, you want to give something," said Meghan McGovern, a 14-year old-dancer.