Community Action Group Raises Funds & Awareness
Center Stage Dance Academy (CSDA – www.danceatcsda.com) has organized an action group dubbed CSDA Cares. The group consisting of parents and students is encouraged to take to the streets, perform random acts of kindness, volunteer for those in need, or just put a smile on a face that needs it.
CSDA Cares is a primarily parent-run initiative that creates opportunities for dance students and parents to get involved in the community through a number of events, performances, and charitable drives. The studio’s owner was especially affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012 and challenged her company dancers to perform a random act of kindness for every life that was lost. The overwhelming response to her challenge sparked an idea and set the groundwork for CSDA Cares.
Since its inception in March of this year, the group has participated in Huntley’s Relay for Life raising over $1,900 and performing at opening ceremonies, supported a local family in need, performed at CASA and Laura Twirls fundraisers, made blankets for Advocate hospice, volunteered for Special Olympics, participated in and made donations on behalf of the viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and hosted a consignment sale with proceeds to benefit local non-profit It’s Our Little Secret. The group also offers free concerts to the residents of Huntley’s Del Webb community on an ongoing basis.
“Part of our philosophy at Center Stage is to allow each individual to experience the art and love of dance,” said studio owner and artistic director Debbie Nowotnik. “This extends to people outside of the studio as well! We want to instill good values and develop kind hearts in all of our students. I feel it is very important for my dancers to give back to the community and help others that may not have the ability or the opportunity to do what they get to do.”
Most recently, CSDA Cares organized a book and toy drive to help support It’s Our Little Secret’s daily operations and annual holiday initiative.
“I am proud to be part of a dance studio that places emphasis on more than just winning,” says mother of two CSDA dancers, Tara Brown. “While our dancers are extremely talented and competitive, Center Stage offers a number of other ways to enrich their developing minds and bodies from instructors that instill great values to the charitable opportunities created by the CSDA Cares program.”
The group has plans to volunteer for Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg, bringing adults and children to hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, which are then shipped to nearly 70 countries around the world.
CSDA Cares is continually on the look out for additional volunteer and performance opportunities in the Huntley area. To make suggestions or request assistance with an upcoming event, please contact [email protected].
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 amazingly 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. The studio’s Winter/Spring session will run January 5th through June 1st. Registration for new students begins December 6th. For more information, contact Center Stage Dance Academy owner and artistic director, Debbie Nowotnik at [email protected].