Battle of the Decades at Cora’s Red Hook Prom, by Mary Staub

The battle of the decades is coming to Red Hook the first Saturday in May. On May 7th, Cora Dance will throw their 4th Annual Red Hook Prom. Adults can dance the night away until 11 pm, whilst supporting Cora’s pay-what-you-can youth programs, which aim to make dance and artistic expression available and accessible to all. The group’s overall mission is to use the arts to foster understanding and common ground amongst diverse populations.

This year’s prom is an 1980s versus 1990s dance party battle. Attendees are invited to show their support for their favorite by dressing the part. Throughout the night, attendees can bid for their decade in tip jars stationed throughout the dance hall. A bid count at 10 pm will determine whether local DJ, Robert Lux spins music from the 80s or 90s for the final hour.

“You choose: dress in 80s or 90s style, and meet us on the dance floor for an epic battle of the decades,” Cora’s prom invite proclaims.

This year’s prom is sponsored by Realty Collective, a local real estate company. President, Victoria Hagman chose to support the Prom specifically because Cora has been “very impactful,” and includes a rich diversity of students. “Cora has been instrumental in the neighborhood for a long time,” she said. “Their students are representative of the diversity of the neighborhood.”

“The community they’ve created is for kids that are more creative and specifically interested in dance. As a youth, it’s important for kids to have a place to really be expressive,” Hagman said. She also noted that Cora’s programming extends to all kinds of dance for each individual student’s preferences and personality.

King and Queen
The prom takes place in the gym of the local South Brooklyn Community High School (SBCHS). Drinks and nibbles will be featured from local favorites Botta di Vino, Sixpoint Brewery, Hometown BBQ, and Court Street Grocers. The event will also include a beauty station by the Gowanus-based Elements Hair Studio and a silent auction. The “Red Hook Royalty,” selected for their volunteer work for Cora over the past year, will officially be coronated.

Prom King and Queen are Scott Pfaffman and Nahisha McCoy, both parents of Cora youth students. King Pfaffman, a local contractor, is being honored for the pro bono work he provided when Cora moved into their new space last year on the second-floor of Red Hook Ministries. He and his workers replaced the floors, installed heaters and a new fridge, and built cabinetry.

Queen McCoy is being crowned for her role as lead volunteer for Cora. She picks up children from local schools and brings them to Cora for after-school dance programs, helps organize other volunteers, and distributes flyers.

But why a prom? Shannon Hummel, Cora’s Founder and Artistic Director, came up with the idea when she was looking for ways to have a gala fundraiser geared towards locals. And, she thought, who doesn’t like a prom? Especially a prom devoid of teen angst and inhibition.

“We wanted to have a gala fundraiser. Shannon wanted a way to involve the community and everyone who is involved with Cora, not just big funders,” said Kelsey Kramer, Cora Dance’s Communications Manager.

The evening is focused on dancing. Cora’s Youth and Professional Companies will perform, but guests are also encouraged to shake it down on the dance floor.
“It’s mainly a dance party—that’s pretty much what it is,” said Kramer. “It’s mostly centered on dancing and having a good time.”
Admission to the Red Hook Prom is $100, or pay-what-you-can with a $5 minimum. For tickets and more information, visit coradance.org/red-hook-prom.