April 8, 2014 (Huntley, IL) – Center Stage Dance Academy (CSDA – www.DanceAtCSDA.com) and Envision Dance Company will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life at Deicke Park in Huntley, IL. The overnight event will take place Friday, June 13^th at 6:00 pm and wrap up Saturday, June 14^th at 6:00 am. Team Envision has set a goal to raise at least $1,500 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.

In past events, Team Envision has performed at the opening ceremonies and has over 40 students and parents that participate in the overnight walk. CSDA students look forward to the annual event that consists of more than just the walk. Other organized activities have included scavenger hunts, duct tape fashion design, and belly dancing. The studio’s youth uses the event to make new friends and share stories of how cancer has touched their lives. This year will be especially meaningful as one of CSDA’s performance team members recently lost her dad to cancer.

“We will be walking this year to honor Mr. Andy Wojtalewicz who passed away March 7, 2014 after his long battle with cancer,” said Studio Owner and Artistic Director Debbie Nowotnik. “We had every member of the Envision Hip Hop Team attend Andy’s funeral to support their fellow teammate and friend.” Dani Wojtalewicz, a sophomore at Huntley High School, has been dancing at Center Stage for four years.

“Relay For Life is such an amazing opportunity to bring the community together to work on finding a cure for cancer,” Nowotnik continues. “Cancer has touched so many people in various ways so we invite you to join our team and help us make a difference!”

To join Team Envision on their walk or donate toward their $1,500 goal, visit their team page on the Relay For Life website: http://goo.gl/cWYU9C.

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].

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