Soiree in the Garden of Joy

Grand summer ‘Soiree’ will honor life-long achievement in dance

Tickets available here.

The Taylor Conservatory Foundation will host a special outdoor event, “Soiree in the Garden of Joy”, on Tuesday, June 25, to establish an endowment fund for a new garden project celebrating Taylor resident, Joy Squire, and her lifelong commitment to bringing the art of dance to our community. The elegant celebration will begin at 6:00 PM on the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens located at 22314 Northline Road in Taylor. It will feature gourmet dinner, cocktails and entertainment with a theme and displays honoring Squire and the art of dance. In collaboration with the City of Taylor and a private benefactor, the Taylor Conservatory Foundation will create a classical garden, complete with walkways, benches, and a special feature in honor of Joy Squire, in the green space along Goddard Road near the Taylor Recreation Center.

Joy Squire founded Taylor Dance in 1966 and remains active in leading the academy to this day. Today, hundreds of students from over 30 area communities take classes with Taylor Dance. In addition to founding Taylor Dance, and it’s pre-professional ballet affiliate, Ballet Americana, Squire was active for several decades as a member of numerous organizations dedicated to promoting the arts, including the Downriver Council for the Arts, Wayne County Council for Arts, History, and Humanities, Dance Educators of America, Taylor Foundation for Educational Excellence, and Mid-States Regional Dance America, among many others. In over 50 years as a dance educator, choreographer, and advocate, her endless kindness, creativity, and encouragement has touched the lives of thousands of people.

The grand celebration will be a stylish event in the tradition of a classic summer outdoor gala. Guests will experience the finest dinner, cocktails, and desserts while taking in a variety of dance-themed displays. A jazz combo, strolling dessert tables and costumed performers will add to the elegant setting. A highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of the garden design and special feature commissioned in honor of Joy Squire. The beautiful setting, fine table fare, artwork and celebration highlights will make for a spectacular and memorable summer evening.

As a public garden, the Taylor Conservatory Foundation works daily to connect people to plants in vibrant and impactful ways, as a living museum, and a work of art. They use plants to create a space for the public to dream, be inspired, to learn about plants or to provide respite from the stress of day-to-day living. Since their inception in 2007, they have promoted events to highlight the best art, music, and dance our community has to offer. Whether through the Music & Art in the Gardens program, or as a proud partner with the Detroit Institute of Arts “Inside-Out” program, or one of the artistic workshops, they think the marriage of plants, people and culture is a happy one; one that enhances our community and is an indispensable part of their community mission.

For ticket and event information call (888) 640-5454. Sponsorships are also available for the event. All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the new garden.