By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The 19th annual Chance to Dance, hosted by St. Joseph's Dance Arts Center, benefitting Voices of Courage is coming up tomorrow
Dance Arts Center Director Marla Heeler says she had done events like this during her time in Illinois, and says when she moved back to St. Joseph, she wanted to find a way to advocate for children
"We came back, and I just went to Voices of Courage, at that time they were still Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center, and just said I want to do this dance benefit for you guys," Heeler tells KFEQ News. "And they didn't know me at all, but they said sure we'll give it a shot, and we've done it every year since."
Heller says dancers from 11 different studios, ranging from Kansas City to Carrollton will travel to St. Joseph to perform during the annual benefit performance
Heeler says each studio is asked to perform three dances, which also will bring a great variety of performances
"I know that some people can be like oh a dance recital, but it's not a dance recital, because every studio has their own flavor and their own flare, so every dance is different," Heeler explains. "And they will see everything from hip hop to ballet, and tap and clogging, and everything musical theatre, I mean they will literally see a little bit of everything, and I think that makes it so entertaining for people."
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Voices of Courage. Heeler says there will also be a raffle, silent auction and bake sale, so there really is something for everyone
"If they want to bring something to the bake sale or if they have something that they would want to allow us to auction off, then all of that just kind of helps contribute," Heeler says. "Everything goes directly to Voices of Courage, the ticket sales, everything."
Heeler says there will also be T Shirts for sale, which the dancers will wear for a final performance on stage
"They'll have a 50-50 raffle which is great, so we just try to offer a lot to help people get involved in some way," Heeler says.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online for $15 or for $20 at the door. The performance begins at 6pm tomorrow.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.