'Steven Caras: See Them Dance' Presented By WXEL-TV

STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE

WXEL-TV to Present Florida Broadcast Premiere of Highly Acclaimed Documentary About Renowned Dancer/Photographer & WPB Resident on June 7 

WPTV News Anchor Lauren LaPonzina will Co-Host with Caras & Emmy-Winning Director Deborah Novak While Taping a Pledge Event for Use at Other PBS TV Stations  

WXEL-TV42, the area's public television station, today announced that it will be presenting the Florida broadcast premiere of the hot new documentary STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE on Tuesday, June 7, at 8 p.m.  

The highly acclaimed film about dancer/photographer Caras, who lives in West Palm Beach and is a leading figure in the local and national cultural scene, will be the centerpiece of WXEL's on-air fundraising drive on June 7.

WPTV News Channel 5 anchor Lauren LaPonzina will co-host the evening with Caras and director Deborah Novak. They will chat about the making and meaning of the documentary during breaks while urging viewers to phone in their support for WXEL.  

These pledge breaks will be taped live for future use by other public television stations around the country while airing STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE during their own fundraising campaigns.  

Produced by Emmy winning filmmakers Witek & Novak, Inc. in conjunction with Arizona PBS, STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE tells the inspirational story of a teenager from New Jersey who became a dancer with New York City Ballet at a time when men did not readily pursue such a career without escaping unscathed. But he persevered and during his 14 years at NYCB under the tutelage of the legendary George Balanchine, not only did he become a much admired performer but, while still a young dancer, began to photograph his surroundings, eventually transforming himself into one of the world's most renowned dance photographers. 

Above all, the documentary features the compelling story of Steven Caras - a man who followed his dream and made it his reality. Viewers are given an intimate look at the ballet world through the eloquent narrative and unique perspective of Steven Caras and his personal journey of challenges and heroic accomplishment.

STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE includes rare, behind-the-scenes photographs of ballet superstars such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Suzanne Farrell, Rudolf Nureyev and Gelsey Kirkland, as well as lively interviews with such dance icons as Peter Martins, Patricia McBride, Jacques d'Amboise, Kay Mazzo, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Allegra Kent, Mia Michaels, Elizabeth Streb, Sean Lavery, Virginia Johnson and more.

Wall Street Journal drama critic Terry Teachout, fine art and photography expert Sarah Morthland and New York Public Library at Lincoln Center's Executive Director Jacqueline Z. Davis also appear in the documentary commenting upon the artistic and historical significance of Steven Caras and his work.

"On June 7 we will be live in the WXEL studio, and we hope our many friends throughout Palm Beach County will watch the documentary and call-in to pledge their support to our hometown PBS station," said Caras, a highly respected member of the Palm Beach County arts community due to his many years of work with cultural organizations including the Kravis Center, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Miami City Ballet and Ballet Florida. He maintains an active schedule as a guest lecturer and instructor, with various photographic projects, and is also the Founding Chairman of The Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts.

"I am thrilled that this documentary will play a valuable role in support of our superb local public television station, and that our live pledge breaks at WXEL will be taped for future use by other PBS stations around the nation," said Caras.

"Word is already starting to spread about the Florida premiere of STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE, and excitement is building," added LaPonzina. "On June 7, we are encouraging our many friends and fans to host WXEL parties in their homes or at local restaurants, where people can watch this inspiring documentary and call in to support our hometown PBS affiliate."

The widely publicized world premiere screening of STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE was held in late February at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach; followed by a successful screening at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, where the documentary was awarded a standing ovation from many of the leading figures in American dance.

WXEL TV42, the area's public television station, signed on the air in 1982. WXEL Television is affiliated with PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service airing shows serving the educational, cultural and entertainment needs of the community with acclaimed national programming such as The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and local programming, including Around Town with Howard Kaye. WXEL broadcasts four Digital Television Channels: 42.1 PBS & local programming, 42.2 Create!, 42.3 V-me (Spanish-language educational television) and 42.4 airing programming from T.E.N - The Educational Network - Palm Beach County School District and Florida Knowledge Network - State of Florida Educational Programming. In the past year, WXEL has aired more than 1,100 hours of locally produced programming.
*Source: January 09/January 10 WXEL Internal Reports
WXEL-TV42 and 90.7FM are a service of Barry University.

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