NEW YORK, May 23, 2007 --- The evening was more feline than “Cats,” far happier than Les Miserables,” and left even the historic productiveness of “The Producers” in the dust. Yes, by whatever measure, the 2007 Garden of Dreams Knicks City Dancer Recital presented by Snapple was an enormous success.

The Garden of Dreams Foundation works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden to make dreams come true for kids in crisis. The Children’s Aid Society is one of the 14 partner organizations that the Garden of Dreams works with to bring extraordinary experiences to children in need throughout the tri-state area. Every Thursday for the past seven months, a group of five Knicks City Dancers visited Children’s Aid Society campuses at Mirabal Sisters and Dunleavy Milbank. The dancers familiarized the kids with the fundamentals of the art form -- and taught about fitness and nutrition as well.

“The children worked very hard and showed extreme dedication,” MC Kim Conlon, a Knicks City Dancer herself, said. It showed -- and then some.

“They gave their heart and soul -- and it’s so much fun to watch them,’’ Knicks Vice President of Community Relations and Fan Development Karin Buchholz told the 250-plus family and friends gathered in the WaMu Theater Lobby at Madison Square Garden. The stage was resplendent with dozens of colorful flags, reflecting the theme for the evening, “It’s a Small World.”

“One of things I love about New York is that you can walk down the street and hear ten different languages,” said Buchholz. “Everyone comes here with the hopes and dreams of making a better life for themselves and their children. That’s what we’re celebrating tonight.”

The celebration began with Filipino flavor as Dunleavy Milbank opened with ’Bebot’ by the Black Eyed Peas (very cute). After a Latin Mix by Mirabal Sisters the Knicks City Dancers turned Japanese with a sizzling “Tokyo Drift”. Dunleavy Milbank then went African, including costumes, with ‘Din Dada,’ while Mirabal’s tons-of-fun ‘Reggae/Soca’ one of the most entertaining numbers of the night -- simply brought down the house.

Dunleavy Milbank then gave Shakira’s ‘La Tortura’ a very serious workout while Mirabal went Indian with their clever ‘Beware of the Boys.’ Guest stars Anointed S., a beat-boxer who has toured with Alicia Keys, KCD instructor Syndee Chin Loy, who sang a soulful rendition of "Contigo en la Distancia" by Christina Aguilera, and Omeka Sealy from Children’s Aid Society (with ‘And I’m Telling You” the showstopper from ‘Dream Girls”) then changed the pace momentarily with their exceptional artistry.

“That’s my baby!” the 16-year old Sealy’s mom shouted through the deafening applause. “That’s my daughter up there!” “We all feel she should be on American Idol,” added Conlon.

A couple of back-in-the-USA hip hop numbers, “Lipgloss” and ‘Drop Control” concluded the show with everybody up and dancing in the aisles.

“This was so much fun!” little Ivana from Mirabal Sisters glowed afterwards. “I want to be a Knicks City Dancer!” “Why not?” proud mom answered. “This program really helps the kids’ self-esteem and improves their school work. I love it. It’s been invaluable for our families.”