Local Dancers Raise Over $1,600 For American Cancer Society
Center Stage Dance Academy (CSDA – www.DanceAtCSDA.com) and Envision Dance Company participated in last weekend’s Relay for Life at Deicke Park in Huntley, IL. The overnight event began Friday, June 15th at 6:00 pm and wrapped up Saturday, June 16th at 6:00 am. CSDA had over 40 students perform at the opening ceremonies and participate in the walk that followed. Team Envision raised $1,683.76 on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life (www.RelayForLife.org) is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. During the event, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running (or in this case, dancing!) around a track or path.
Brainchild of Dr. Gordy Klatt, Relay for Life began as an idea the doctor had while running more than 83 miles in a 24 hour period in an effort to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society and show support for all his patients who had battled cancer. The first Relay took place in 1986 with 19 teams on the track of the historic Stadium Bowl in Tacoma, Washington and raised $33,000.
Despite the over 90 degree temperatures on Friday, dancers donned costumes and performed eight of their award-winning routines for the event’s crowd. Having consistently won top honors at seven regional competitions earlier this year, Center Stage’s Envision Dance Company has made quite a name for itself in the community and was proud to display their talents.
With approximately 20 members staying all night, Team Envision walked all night, participated in organized activities like scavenger hunts, duct tape fashion design, and belly dancing, made new friends, and even shared stories of how cancer has touched their lives. Some of the kids have had classmates and friends who have or had cancer. Others have parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles affected by the devastating disease. “We walked to help find a cure for cancer and we want to make a difference,” said Felicity Jemo, 12 years old of Algonquin, IL. “All the activities going on made the night fly by so we didn’t even have a chance to get tired!”
“It was a great bonding experience for the kids and the adults from our studio,” said Studio Owner and Artistic Director Debbie Nowotnik. “Relay for Life is such a great way to give back to the community and to let the kids see how fortunate they are to get to do the things they do.”
Center Stage Dance Academy (www.danceatcsda.com) located in Huntley, IL is committed to providing professional dance training to all its participants at every level of dance. With amazing talented and qualified instructors, the studio offers recreational programs as well as an extensive competitive team. Their reputation for technique and quality training sets CSDA apart from other studios. For more information, contact Center Stage Dance Academy owner and artistic director, Debbie Nowotnik at 847-669-2510 or e-mail [email protected].