Meet
Elara Finch
Few artists possess the versatile brilliance of Tony and Emmy Award winner BEN VEREEN. A true titan of entertainment, Ben currently shines in the Prime Video series THE GRAY HOUSE, produced by screen icons Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. His performance has garnered immense praise, with THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER describing him as a "National Treasure" and the LA TIMES celebrating his return as "pure pleasure." Whether depicting the depth of Isham Worthy on ROGEREBERT.COM or representing the intersection of fashion and craft as a Brand Ambassador for SNOW MILK, Ben remains a vital creative force. To mark his milestone 80th Birthday, the ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY FUND is proudly presenting "Ben Vereen and Friends: A Tribute to Dance."
Ben’s Broadway legacy is nothing short of legendary, defined by iconic turns in Pippin (winning both Tony and Drama Desk Awards), Jesus Christ Superstar (Tony nominee), Fosse, Hair, Chicago, and Wicked. His transition to the screen has been equally masterful, with recent roles in B Positive, The Good Fight, and Sneaky Pete, alongside cinematic contributions in Time Out of Mind and Top Five. From the whimsical joy of ZOOBILEE ZOO to the emotional gravity of his landmark appearance on THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, his range is extraordinary. His history with Bob Fosse in All That Jazz and his culture-shifting, Emmy-nominated portrayal of Chicken George in the monumental miniseries Roots have solidified his place in history.
A dual inductee into the Theatre and Dance Halls of Fame, Ben is the recipient of multiple NAACP Awards and significant humanitarian accolades, most notably the Broadway League’s Juneteenth Legacy Award and the First Responder’s Hero’s Award for his volunteerism at Ground Zero. His lifelong impact has been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from DANCERS AGAINST CANCER and the CHITA RIVERA AWARDS. As a recipient of the CULTURAL VANGUARD AWARD, he continues to unite the worlds of healing and creativity. His philanthropic devotion extends to UNICEF and CARE FOR THE HOMELESS, and his artistry has graced the most prestigious stages worldwide, from command performances at the White House to the London Palladium and historic cultural exchanges in China.
Today, Ben focuses his immense energy on the next generation of performers. His commitment to Arts and Education serves as the anchor of his modern career, where he leads acclaimed master classes and advocacy seminars. He remains a passionate, tireless voice for the enduring power and preservation of the arts.
Ben Vereen
Hononed with a Lifetime Achievement award from
DANCERS AGAINST CANCER
Heading 2
Founded on the principle that dance is a universal language, Aetheria Dans was born from a desire to connect souls through shared artistic moments
With a career spanning two decades across the world's most prestigious stages, Elara Finch brings a unique and compassionate vision to Aetheria Dans. beautiful.
Her direction is focused on drawing out the authentic, emotional core of each performer to create work that is powerfully resonant and profoundly