James Whiteside and Isabella Boylston Want You to Help Them Set a Guinness World Record
ABT besties Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside have a dream: To get the most dancers ever to go on pointe at the same time.
The pair, who go by the joint nickname “The Cindies,” have teamed up with the morning talk show “Live with Kelly and Ryan” to try to dance into the record books on live TV. They’re inviting anyone who can dance on pointe to join them outside the “Live” studio in New York City on Tuesday, September 10.
“This record breaking challenge is a great way to share our art form with a large audience and make everyone feel included. All are welcome to participate and all you have to do is stand en pointe!” they shared in a joint statement that they signed “xoxo #TheCindies.”
The number they need to beat? 245.
Dr. Phillips High School Dance Magnet, Orlando Ballet and other Florida dance schools set the current record with that many dancers on pointe at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on May 22, 2011. (250 dancers participated, but five didn’t stay on pointe for the full minute it takes to count for the record.)
“Live” is a fitting setting for this latest attempt: Host Kelly Ripa trained in ballet for 13 years, and in past episodes has auditioned for The Nutcracker and gone backstage at New York City Ballet.
If you want to help the Cindies beat 245 (and possibly make an appearance on live TV), you can sign up here. You’ll need to bring your own pointe shoes and dance clothes, and be ready starting at 7:30 am. Merde!
