Dance Showcase Fundraiser

[KevinL]

Hello all,

I'm planning a fundraiser for a children's cancer camp as the kickoff event for National Ballroom Dance Week in September. The idea is to put together a dance showcase consisting of a series of 3-5 minute long dance demonstrations using myself, other local teachers, and as many of our students as we can get involved. I'm hoping for a mixture of one on one dances and group numbers.

The plans are progressing well, I've got the date (Friday, Sept. 17th), the location, and buy-in from several local instructors. The Swing, Salsa and Argentine Tango specialists are all interested, as well as the other major social ballroom instructor. I've also lined up a couple of local (very good) amateur competitors to do a couple of dances as well. If everyone actually does end up doing it, the show should end up being very well done.

The biggest problem that I'm having (other than getting people to commit so far in advance) is that I don't see much of any way to bring the show together into a cohesive whole. Do any of you have any thoughts on what theme might tie all theses different styles of dance together?
Thanks for any input!

Kevin

[Pacion]

Do any of you have any thoughts on what theme might tie all theses different styles of dance together?


How long is the whole dance showcase likely to be for? Is there a way of perhaps using an existing story but giving it a "modern twist"? Perhaps some of the writers here can do a rewrite of a scene?

For instance, I am thinking, the birthday scene of the prince in Swan Lake. There are different types of dance performances at the birthday party where the Prince promises to love Odile and thefore "condemns" Odette to a life sentence in the body of the swan. Or, take a scene/storyline from a popular children's story/tv show and modify that? :idea: Harry Potter learns to dance! :lol: Then you can have some broomsticks lying around and dress up as wizards/witches. I can just see it now, a witch and a wizard doing the tango :lol: with a Mr Dumbledore character, complete with long white beard acting as the MC/narrator?

An additional thought. Will any of the family/siblings of the camp attendees be there? Perhaps some children can be woven into the plot/storyline as it is a story in aid of them?

[KevinL]

Do any of you have any thoughts on what theme might tie all theses different styles of dance together?


Or, take a scene/storyline from a popular children's story/tv show and modify that? :idea: Harry Potter learns to dance! :lol: Then you can have some broomsticks lying around and dress up as wizards/witches. I can just see it now, a witch and a wizard doing the tango :lol: with a Mr Dumbledore character, complete with long white beard acting as the MC/narrator?

That's a good idea, I may have to use that for one of the group numbers...

An additional thought. Will any of the family/siblings of the camp attendees be there? Perhaps some children can be woven into the plot/storyline as it is a story in aid of them?

I doubt that any of the children involved in the camp will be there (other than a speaker or two) because the camp takes place in the summer, and then they all return home.

Kevin

[Pacion]

Okay. Will it be possible for any children be there?

I just thought of something else! Harry Potter is now 15/16? A lot of teenagers seem to be interested in the "b&g" or as I say it, "Rent-a-tile" form of dancing :lol: I don't know if there is a "more famous teenager" in the US? So another underlying theme could be - "b&g" yes, but here are some other dances you can consider :D

[pygmalion]

I saw this article which reminded me of yuo and your effort, Kevin. Thought you might find it interesting. A ballroom group at Indiana University (I think LOL) raised over $40000 for cancer research.


http://www.idsnews.com/story.php?id=22462

[KevinL]

Thanks for the link Pygmalion. The article didn't give me any useful advice for how to make the event I'm planning work better, but it is good to see dance events elsewhere that support charities.

Anyone have advice on a theme to bring lots of disparate dances together into a coherant whole? The website for the cance camp is www.takumta.org, if you want some inspiration...

Thanks, Kevin.

[twodance]

How about a show on the 'history of ballroom dancing'. Each couple can do a period in history with costumes. Then pull it all together with a couple of formations using everyone involved. My wife and I and Frank Regan did this with our ballroom show that toured Japan. We had costumes, props & music from V. Waltz to disco.

[dancin_feet]

What about the idea that it is a big dance class? One teacher comes on and does one class, maybe a routine to demonstrate and then the others get into it. Then the next class starts with a new dance?

[Pacion]

Anyone have advice on a theme to bring lots of disparate dances together into a coherant whole?

I just tried the website link and it did not work. Maybe it might work at home. :?

There are a number of themes running through here which could be combined? A class room set up showing the history of dance? A teenager "going to sleep" wondering about what he/she is going to learn to dance for the "junior high" party and "dreams" of all the dances you are putting on? with perhaps some voice overs?

Or again, a child wants to dance, but does not know how. Find a pair of shoes/glasses and every time he/she puts the shoes/glasses on, they see the different dances? You could probably order the performances in a type of dance history way?

[KevinL]

I just tried the website link and it did not work. Maybe it might work at home. :?

It doesn't work for me right now either, their site must be down for some reason.

There are a number of themes running through here which could be combined? A class room set up showing the history of dance? A teenager "going to sleep" wondering about what he/she is going to learn to dance for the "junior high" party and "dreams" of all the dances you are putting on? with perhaps some voice overs?

Or again, a child wants to dance, but does not know how. Find a pair of shoes/glasses and every time he/she puts the shoes/glasses on, they see the different dances? You could probably order the performances in a type of dance history way?

There are some good thoughts here, thanks.

Perhaps to tie it into the whole purpose of the event the child/teenager can be one of the cancer survivors, with dreams of what they want to do when they are better and grow up? Now I'll need to find a teenage actor/actress who wants to put the time into the show...

[Pacion]

Now I'll need to find a teenage actor/actress who wants to put the time into the show...

A friend of a friend's neighbour's cousin's sister's friend's daughter/son/nephew or niece? :D

[KevinL]

Now I'll need to find a teenage actor/actress who wants to put the time into the show...

A friend of a friend's neighbour's cousin's sister's friend's daughter/son/nephew or niece? :D

Good idea, 8^).

Although I'm going to try to get a group from a local high school (they already practice twice a week) to do one of the performances, so perhaps one of them will be interested...

[Pacion]

Or perhaps one of the students' siblings :wink: Sounds great re the school. Depending on where their performance is, in the programme, perhaps the "hero/heroine" could getup and dance with them also?


Ehmmm, for all this brain power I am putting in :lol: will I be on the VIP list, even though I won't be able to make it :wink:

[KevinL]

Ehmmm, for all this brain power I am putting in :lol: will I be on the VIP list, even though I won't be able to make it :wink:

OK, sure, you can be in the VIP list. Of course if you do make it all the way here you'll have to dance in the show, but I doubt you will mind, 8^).

[Pacion]

:oops: :lol: And who are you proposing will partner me :lol:

[pygmalion]

Kevin, of course. He could hardly invite you halfway across the world (or at least across the ocean) and not dance with you, now could he? :wink: :lol:

[KevinL]

Kevin, of course. He could hardly invite you halfway across the world (or at least across the ocean) and not dance with you, now could he? :wink: :lol:

Of course it would be me! Who else would I trust with such a valuable collaborator and VIP?? 8^)

Kevin

[Pacion]

:lol: Perfect gentleman :D

[mamboqueen]

Why don't you call it "Dancers for Cancer"? And I don't think that you necessarily *need* a theme. If you do, what about an "international" theme where you have dances from all over the world presented. You can also have international food served.

A local studio recently had a pretty well attended fundraiser for a charity and had a silent auction. It can really work well, especially where you have a fair amount of time to get donations. Ask the local pros to donate some privates; there's tons of stuff you can get.

I applaud you for your efforts.

[Pacion]

Kevin, do you have an update for Enquiring minds :wink: :D

[KevinL]

Hi Pacion,

I'm in a holding pattern presently. I'm waiting for a friends friend who is a professional meeting organizer to have some free time to work with me. I've got the space reserved, I've made some media contacts, I've got a good list of dancers interested in being involved but I'm holding off on the push for sponsors until I speak with the meeting organizer, hopefully this week.

I'll let you know how it goes after that meeting...

Kevin

[pygmalion]

Good luck. And start with the sponsors as soon as you can. A lot of them take their sweet time about deciding and/or coming up with the goods. You're right to wait until you have the basics ironed out, but the sooner you start lining up your sponsors, the better off you'll be.

[bjp22tango]

Good luck. And start with the sponsors as soon as you can. A lot of them take their sweet time about deciding and/or coming up with the goods. You're right to wait until you have the basics ironed out, but the sooner you start lining up your sponsors, the better off you'll be.

And if you go to large companies, even if they want to donate, sometimes they have to send the request up the corporate pipeline, so that can take time as well...

Good luck.

[KevinL]

Hello everyone! I thought I'd give an update on the fundraiser that I'm putting on. I've collected enough money in sponsorships to put the event on, but more financing would (of course) allow for a better show.

I've got buy-in from several local teachers so I think there will be lots of dances, and the show should run for at least an hour, maybe an hour and a half.

My plan previously was to do the showcase, and then do open dancing. I've had a couple of people suggest that I include a brief lesson after the showcase, but before the dancing so that non-dancers would be able to be involved. What do you think? Would adding a half hour lesson (Waltz or Foxtrot) be useful in attracting more people? Just local dancers won't fill the venue, so I'm depending on non-dancers to purchase lots of tickets.

It has also been suggested that I include light snacks before the showcase starts. Unless it is donated this will be very expensive, of course. It has also been suggested that I hire in a wine bar for before the showcase. They carry their own liability, and people will have a couple of hours after the bar closes down before the event ends, so I'm not particularly concerned with being responsibly for supplying alcohol. What do you think? Should I try to arrange food? Should I try to arrrange the wine bar?

Thanks for your advice!

Kevin

[Pacion]

Oh, oh, oh!!! :banana: Thanks Kevin! I was thinking about you, okay this thread :wink: last night and I told my Enquiring mind to basically "cool it!" :lol: You will update us when you are ready.

Re food. How about snacks, like peanuts, crisps, nachos and salsa/other dips? :wink: Maybe a local store might supply, in exchange for you printing their name on the tickets etc?

I think the idea of a dance lesson is a good one, not sure about having a specific one in mind such as the waltz/foxtrot. One I did years ago was - not the quickstep - but I have forgotten what it was called. :? It was such that you could dance to Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/"lovey dovey" songs without breaking out in a sweat. I am coming from this direction because how much can you learn and retain of a more formal dance? Yet, basic "everyday" skills, might be an idea?

A bar also sounds good, especially if someone else has to set it up. However, stating the obvious, drinks costs have to be affordable.

[cl5814]

I think the idea of a dance lesson is a good one, not sure about having a specific one in mind such as the waltz/foxtrot. One I did years ago was - not the quickstep - but I have forgotten what it was called. :? It was such that you could dance to Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/"lovey dovey" songs without breaking out in a sweat. I am coming from this direction because how much can you learn and retain of a more formal dance? Yet, basic "everyday" skills, might be an idea?


Sounds like you are referring to night club two step.

[Pacion]

No, don't think so. The rhythm was - slow, quick quick, slow. :? I am googling to see if the name jumps out at me :wink: :lol:

[Pacion]

Kevin :D do you have an update for us :D

[KevinL]

The following article was published in a local paper yesterday...

(Edited to remove my direct contact information.)

====

Dance Showcase raises over $1700

The first-of-its kind local event took place Friday, Sept. 17, featuring a dance demonstration showcase at the Elly-Long Music Center at St. Michael’s College. The show, free waltz lesson and open dancing were well-attended and raised over $1,700 for Vermont’s camp for children who have, or who have had, cancer.

Jim Noyes, personnel director for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, accepted the funds on behalf of the camp.

“The performance was incredible, it celebrated two of the things that everyone enjoys most about camp, music and dancing. Raising over seventeen hundred dollars makes this event above average for our fundraisers. However the dance showcase was really different from other fundraisers because it focused on the arts, and that means a lot to me personally,” he said.

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is a week-long residential camping experience for children, ages seven to 17, who have, or have had, cancer. Founded in 1984, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is now in its 20th year of serving Vermont children. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta was named when children talked about the Camp in a clinic waiting room at the hospital. One child was too young to attend, and said in frustration, “but I wanna camp ta come ta.” That child's wish became the camp's name, Ta-Kum-Ta, and that child is a long-time camper who is now a Camp staff member. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is funded entirely by private donations, is staffed completely by volunteers, and offers its programming at no cost to the children.

The fundraisers’ organizer, Kevin Laddison of St. Albans, knew nothing about Camp Ta-Kum-Ta last year.
“Last February I heard about a fundraising dinner-dance, and went just for the dancing. While there I met a previous Ta-Kum-Ta camper, and a couple of the volunteer staff and learned about the camp,” said Laddison.
“I wanted to do something to support Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, but at first I didn’t know what I could do to help. Eventually I realized that I’m a part of a very active and caring dance community and with such a large group involved we were able to raise over $1700, which will send one more child to camp next year.”

Laddison approached other local dancers and dance instructors with the idea of putting on a showcase demonstrating their favorite dances as the kickoff event for National Ballroom Dance Week. More than 30 people volunteered to perform in the show, with many others offering to work behind the scenes. National Ballroom Dance Week has been in existence since 1989, and is being celebrated across the nation, and in Vermont, from Friday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, September 26, with events ranging from inexpensive or free dances through major events like the Partner Dance Showcase Fundraiser for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.

During the showcase, Doug and Noemi Currier of Burlington performed their favorite dance, Argentine Tango.

“It was delightful to dance for that audience,” said Doug Currier. “Many were dancers, but many weren’t, and it was great to be able to show them what we do, and what they could do with a little practice. We’ve been dancing for a couple of years, and take lessons regularly, so we are the definition of amateur dancers. If we can learn to dance well in front of an audience, everyone can learn to dance in whatever social circle they choose. The dance showcase was a great sampler of the variety and styles of dancing done locally.”

Brenda Bean of Montpelier has been dancing for about a year, and says that the dance showcase was a great service not only for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, but the dance community as well.

“The showcase was a great service to the kids who attend the camp, but it was also a great way for children around the area to find out about ballroom dancing,” she said.

Several students from the Pine Ridge School attended the showcase to learn more about ballroom dancing, and to support one of their teachers, Shannon Dixon-Yandow of Colchester.

Dixon-Yandow performed in the group waltz routine with her husband Michael Yandow even though they have been taking lessons for only eight months. “We wanted to support Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, and we knew that with practice we could perform well,” she said.

Al and Alice Maynard of Underhill have been dancing for four months, but were surprised by the variety of dance available in the local area. Mr. Maynard said, “I was not aware that this area has active communities of swing dancers, salsa dancers, argentine tango dancers, and ballroom dancers. I was impressed at the variety, and skill of the local dancers! It was really nice to see all of them come together to support such a good cause,” he said.

Donovan Currier, 14, of Burlington, agreed.

“My parents are both dancers, so I’ve been around dancers a lot for the past several years. I thought this event in particular was great because it brought together different styles of dance and that was very interesting to see,” he said.

Alice Maynard was also impressed with the age range of dancers in the showcase. “There were people as young as the two young teenagers in the salsa group routine all the way up to people in their 60s, and they all looked great. Even those people who had only been dancing for a few months did really well, and it gave a beginner like myself hope that one day I’ll dance that well,” she said.

Mr. Maynard also found it interesting to watch those people who stayed after the performances for the waltz lesson and the open dancing. “It was nice to see all those people who looked like they were trying dancing for the first time staying out on the dance floor.”

Noyes (from Camp Ta-Kum-Ta) and his wife Doreen were two of the people who stayed after the performances to begin learning to dance. He said, “Our second child just left for college and it was great for my wife and I to see that there are so many people dancing locally all the time, and that so many people dance for their own pleasure. This dance showcase has certainly raised my interest in learning to dance!”

Noyes said he was pleased with the first Partner Dance Showcase, “This was a fine start, and I’m sure it will get better each year.”

Bean agreed, “This was a wonderful first-time event that will grow a lot over the next few years.”

The second annual Camp Ta-Kum-Ta Dance Showcase is tentatively scheduled for Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, the first day of next year’s National Ballroom Dance Week.

[SDsalsaguy]

Wow, glad to see that all of your hard work paid off so well Kevin! Way to go! :cheers: