Love Affair Keynote Speaker Announced

The internationally acclaimed former New York City Ballet dancer and ballet photographer Steven Caras will join A Love Affair – An Evening to Honor Joan Miller as Keynote Speaker.

Steven Caras with NYCB, Tschaikovsky Suite No. 3, early 1970's, Susan Pillae in foreground, photograph by Costas *Choreography depicted in this image is copyrighted by The George Balanchine Trust
CARAS with NYCB, Tschaikovsky Suite No. 3*, early 1970’s, Susan Pillae in foreground Photo: Costas
*Choreography depicted in this image is copyrighted by The George Balanchine Trust

Steven Caras’ life in the arts began as a dancer with the New York City Ballet. For fourteen years under the leadership of its founder, the legendary George Balanchine, he would dance worldwide in numerous masterpiece works choreographed by Balanchine in addition to being featured in many Jerome Robbins ballets.

Steven Caras Photographer
Photo: Jacek Gancarz

During this inspirational time, Steven Caras was also encouraged and mentored as a photographer by Mr. Balanchine whose support led Caras to a luminous second career as one of the most revered image makers of dance in history. His body of work–in access of 120,000 photographs–is today considered to be one of the most valuable and historically significant dance photography collections of all time.

Steven Caras at The Breakers
Photo: Jacek Gancarz

In the early 1990’s, Caras spent several years as ballet master and company photographer with Miami City Ballet prior to becoming their director of development for the organization’s northern, tri-county operation. From 2008 through 2010, Caras returned to Palm Beach County where he served for two years as Palm Beach Dramaworks’ first director of development.

Steven Caras Teaching Ballet
Photo: Sarah Hoeppner

Today, Steven Caras is very active in his travels as a keynote speaker, arts consultant, independent producer and guest teacher, but he also plays a critical role in Palm Beach County philanthropy as a trustee on a private foundation along with his work as the founding chairman of two local charities–The Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts and College Drive. He is the recipient of the 2014 Career Transition for Dancers “Heart & Soul” award, presented to him at the organization’s annual Palm Beach fund raiser by Broadway legend Chita Rivera.

Photo: Corby Kaye
Photo: Corby Kaye

The PBS documentary, Steven Caras: See Them Dance, is a tribute to Caras’ accomplishments with a special emphasis on the artistry and magnitude of his photographic collection. The film has aired on multiple PBS stations nationwide, garnering two major honors: a 2012 Emmy Award in the category of Arts and Entertainment and the Grand Remi Award for ‘Best Television Film of 2012’ at the 45th Annual Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival.

A Love Affair will be held Saturday, February 27th at 7pm with reception to follow at Countess de Hoernle Theatre at Spanish River Community High School at 5100 Jog Road Boca Raton, FL 33496.

Group and individual tickets are on sale now and are tax-deductible.  All proceeds will go toward the legendary Joan Miller’s care as she battles Alzheimer’s disease.  Learn more about this event and Joan Miller here.