Dance Connection 2 (DC2), a dance studio serving the East Valley for 35 years, announced it is collaborating with HopeKids Arizona, a local nonprofit that supports families who have children with life-threatening illnesses, on its A Season to Shine program, bringing the gift of hope this holiday season. 

On the evening of Nov. 11th, DC2 is scheduled to host its Movin’ and Groovin’ dance workshop for the HopeKids and their families. This is an opportunity for these kids to forget about the illnesses they are battling and discover and express themselves through the sport of dance.  DC2’s highly experienced staff and company dancers will work closely with each child teaching them a variety of dance techniques and above all make life-long memories.

“Our goal is to provide hope for our children and their families and this program supports that mission,” said Andrea Lewis, HopeKids Arizona. “Collaborating with DC2 over the years has been such a rewarding experience for our children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions by allowing them to shine, make new friendships and most importantly provide hope.” 

The dance workshop is a stepping-stone to prepare the foundation’s young performance hopefuls and their families for their moment to take center stage at DC2’s A Season to Shine holiday showcase on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 3:00pm. A Season to Shine is full of holiday classics performed by the studios’ talented dancers and other favorites making this a memorable family event for all ages.  

DC2 dancers will also perform two other shows on Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm and Saturday, Dec. 11th at 7pm. This heartwarming holiday tradition is being brought to the community in collaboration with long-time partner Queen Creek Performing Arts Center (22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek). Tickets go on sale for the Friday and Saturday shows on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd at 9AM at qcpac.com.  A portion of proceeds from all three performances will be donated directly to HopeKids Arizona.

“It has been a tough time for many, so being able to make this program happen with HopeKids Arizona and share it with the community is truly a bright spot this holiday season,” said MaryAnna Gooch, owner of DC2. “Seeing all our dancers share their passion and love of dance with these children both in the studio and on stage is an inspiration and an experience that I hope will stay with them beyond the dance floor.”  

If any member of the media is interested in covering the fun at the upcoming dance workshop on Thursday, Nov. 11th from 5:30 PM -7:30 PM at Dance Connections 2  (2250 E. Germann Rd #18, Chandler, AZ) please contact Shannon Mayette (info below). Also join the celebration on Saturday, Dec. 11th at 3pm for A Season to Shine Holiday Showcase at the Queen Creek Performing Art Center. Family members from HopeKids, staff and students from the studio will be available for comment at both events.  For more information on the program: danceconnection2.com/season-to-shine

About Dance Connection 2 
DC2 has proudly been training dancers in the Valley for 35 years. Offering a variety of recreational classes to performance and competitive dance teams, DC2 provides something for everyone interested in discovering and expressing themselves through the sport of dance. Get connected with DC2 today! For more information visit: danceconnection2.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @DC2What. 

About HopeKids 
HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. They surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope is a powerful medicine. Founded in September 2001 in Phoenix, Ariz., it now serves nearly 1,500 families in Arizona. For more information please visit hopekids.org.