Straighten your back, turn out your hips, and spring to your toes.
If that’s the scene you saw in Central Park Monday evening, that’s because hundreds of dancers gathered at the Naumburg Bandshell to break the Guinness World Record: Most Ballerinas En Pointe at One Time. The dancers were required to En Pointe for one minute.
Sarah Romney, spokeswoman for Highline Productions, told NBCNewYork that The Break the Ballet Record came about as a project of esteemed ballet photographer Gene Schiavone. According to Romney, the purpose was to just have some fun and gather as many of Schiavone's Facebook fans together as possible.
But as Schiavone started developing the idea, it gained momentum on Facebook, and "Gene realized he had a great opportunity to capitalize on the event for charity."
Ballet dancers from around the country ages 13 and up were invited to join the record-breaking event -- and to donate $10.
Proceeds from the event went to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Performing Arts Program.
Hosted by American Ballet Theater’s Principal Dancer Michele Wiles, Craig Salstein choreographed a group of over 200 ballet students, professionals, and retires. Angelina Ballerina, the ballet-obsessed young animated mouse was present at the event to support fellow dancers.
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Romney describes the event as "a great success." The previous record holder involved 220 dancers. This year, 230 ballerinas stayed on their toes for the full minute -- and 7 seconds.
