On the morning of LA-based dance company BODYTRAFFIC‘s performance at Staller Center on February 8, the dancers headed over to the new Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to spend time with a few of its patients. It was there, within newly painted and decorated walls lined with oceanic themed paintings and paper mache art, they met with and performed for about a dozen of the 40 patients in the hospital that day.

“It’s always very rewarding to be able to give back to the community and spread the joy of dance with everyone, but especially with those who are really in need of a pick-me-up,” said Jamal White, a dancer, and BODYTRAFFIC’s social media manager. The last little girl he visited became his favorite because of her delighted laughter. She sat giggling and clapping along while two of his colleagues went through some of their steps. “It was the cherry on top.”

Splitting off into smaller groups, the dancers were able to visit a few patients in their rooms where they showed off a modified version of a dance they would later perform in front of hundreds at the sold-out Staller Center show. A few children joined in, learning some of the steps after some encouragement from the dancers.

The outreach program was coordinated by Staller Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and BODYTRAFFIC. “It was a wonderful collaboration, and we look forward to working with the Children’s Hospital again soon,” said Staller Center Outreach Director Paul Newland.

Read the full story: BODYTRAFFIC Visits Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Before Staller Center Show