Atlanta’s arts, music, and cultural community will come together on Saturday, March 3, 2012, for the Dance of Hope Fundraising Event at the Defoor Centre in Atlanta from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm to support the rehabilitation of Angelita Vargas.

In June 2011, flamenco enthusiasts around the world learned Angelita Vargas, a globally acclaimed gypsy flamenco dancer, suffered a debilitating stroke that caused paralysis throughout the right side of her body. Despite the odds, Angelita has regained her ability to walk and move her right arm and hand, thanks to immediate treatment and a vigorous rehabilitation effort started in August 2011.

The cost of such intensive rehabilitation treatment has been a serious financial burden on the family of Angelita Vargas, as until the time of her stroke she was the main provider for her family. A rehabilitation support group named “Amigos de Angelita Vargas” was immediately established by her friends and students in Seville, Spain, in July 2011 to support her treatment and rehabilitation effort. Her students, fans, supporters, and flamenco aficionados from such far-flung countries as the US, Japan, Brazil, England, and France have donated funds to help cover the costs of this rehabilitation. However, there is still a dire need for financial support in order to ensure her continuing progress.

Atlanta has a strong connection with Angelita Vargas, as she has inspired many flamenco students over the years and conducted lessons in the city just a few months before her stroke. Now it is Atlanta’s turn to give back to the individual who has contributed so much over a long and distinguished career to the flamenco art that is a treasure cherished around the world, an art recognized as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2010.

"As a student of flamenco, I have learned to appreciate the authenticity of this culture and those who make it unique. Angelita Vargas is renowned worldwide for her ability to passionately express the true meaning of flamenco dance,” says Deborah Vega, a Speech-Language Pathologist/Certified Brain Injury Specialist. “As a Speech-Language Pathologist working directly with stroke victims, I also recognize the value of support & need for ongoing rehabilitation. It is my hope that her progress will continue. I thank the medical community and the community at large for their efforts and providing support for this charitable cause.”

Rina Menosky, the Atlanta-based flamenco dancer and teacher who is hosting this fundraising event as one of the founding members of “Amigos de Angelita Vargas” commented that “this event is not only for flamenco enthusiasts; it’s for everyone who has a passion to live fully. My hope is that attendees of the Dance of Hope will be inspired by the program of art, dance, and music. I also hope it will increase their awareness and understanding of the nature of brain and spinal injuries, disease, and prevention.” Because the recovery has been this successful so far, Menosky has named this fundraising event the “Dance of Hope” to reflect the hope of Angelita Vargas’ supporters, that she may once more dance, teach, and share the joy and authenticity of the art of flamenco.

The Dance of Hope Fundraising Event will feature a wide variety of unique entertainment, including a never-before-seen DVD presentation of Angelita Vargas' performance (from unpublished footage of "Dos Ramas"); live flamenco music and dance performances from several local, national, and international flamenco artists; an art and photo exhibition; silent auction; a demonstration of the Feldenkrais Method Therapy; and more.

Those who enjoy vibrant live music, dance, and art in the name of a worthy cause are encouraged to attend this event at the Defoor Centre in midtown Atlanta and join forces with the international support group “Amigos de Angelita Vargas" to fund at least one month of rehabilitation and related costs. Tickets for the Dance of Hope Fundraising Event start at $25, which includes the price of admission and hors d'oeuvres. A purchase of the $35 ticket option includes two drink tickets in addition to admission and hors d’oeuvres.

The fundraising goal of this event is to raise a minimum of $6,000; this amount will cover the costs associated with Angelita’s rehabilitation for two months, which includes therapy sessions five days per week and transportation to and from the rehabilitation center. Additional funds raised at the Dance of Hope will be donated to the Shepherd Center of Atlanta, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of patients with brain or spinal cord injuries.

For more information on the Dance of Hope Fundraising Event, or for the latest news on Angelita’s journey back to wellness, please visit the website created in her honor at http://angelitavargas.com/atlanta.html. To purchase tickets to the Dance of Hope, please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/218473. To find our more about additional opportunities to raise money or provide additional means of support for Angelita Vargas, please contact Rina Menosky via email at bailerina@att.net or visit her website at artelavida.com.