As dance enthusiasts enjoy "Ballroom Unleashed" in New York City on Monday, May 11, featuring the talents of America's top ballroom dancers and New York City's premiere contemporary dance companies, they'll not only feel energized by the star-studded performances, they'll also help raise much-needed funds for the volunteer therapy dogs of Angel On A Leash, an independent 501(c)(3) national organization that helps spread comfort, support and relief to patients nationwide.

The one-night benefit event will showcase the artistry of Latin and American ballroom dance and the talents of "So You Think You Can Dance" finalists Sabra Johnson and Twitch, World Latin Champions Eugene Katsevman and Maria Manusova, Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis, as well as numerous champion dancers who will take the stage. 

Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith, producers of the "Ballroom Unleashed" event and acclaimed choreographers of "So You Think You Can Dance," are avid pet lovers who have long hoped to raise funds for a cause that responsibly and effectively benefits animals in a meaningful way.

"We're thrilled to support Angel On A Leash through this event as they have a poignant mission of training and engaging therapy dogs in programs that help patients in need," says LaPatin, who together with Meredith, serves as co-artistic director of New York City's premiere ballroom, Dance Times Square.  "The evening promises to be a perfect meeting of the world of dance and a truly benevolent purpose for those of us who have pets close to our hearts." 

Angel On A Leash volunteer teams of highly-trained dogs and their human partners spend countless hours creating a diversion for patients from the routine of daily medical care by providing some much-needed spontaneity and fun at facilities nationwide, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian and the Ronald McDonald House of New York, among others.

"Just as a team of dancers shares a unique connection and energy that brings to life their passion for dance, teams of therapy dogs and patients make magic by creating hope, comfort and special connections between human and dog," says David Frei, president and CEO of Angel On A Leash.  "Therapy dogs provide much needed unconditional love to patients, and motivate them to get moving, talking and smiling."

Event Details:

• Monday, May 11 at the Danny Kaye Playhouse at 695 Park Avenue in New York City
• Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m. 
• Tickets range in price from $25 to $100 and will benefit Angel On A Leash
• For information or tickets, visit the Playhouse box office or call 212-772-4448