“For the Cure” fundraiser hosted by Rivertown Dance Academy

Instructor Sydney Downie leads students through a routine as part of the Jan. 18 “For the Cure” fundraiser.

The fight against cancer got a boost on the dance floor last Sunday afternoon.

The Rivertown Dance Academy (RDA) hosted “For the Cure,” a fundraiser in partnership with Kids Curing Cancer (KCC). Proceeds from the event will end up with the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre Foundation and Erie Shores Health Care in Leamington.

Instructors Caydance Cristofaro, Sydney Downie and Adam Lang led workshops in contemporary, jazz and hip hop styles of dance. 

RDA co-owner/instructor Catherine Cristofaro noted the event was held in memory of Jennifer Horvath, who passed away three years ago from cancer.

“Kids Curing Cancer approached us about doing a fundraiser in partnership with them,” Catherine Cristofaro explained. “Cancer and its effect on people close to us has always been something important for us.”

Laura Dufour and Catherine Cristofaro from the Rivertown Dance Academy (RDA) site with photos and framed apparel that had been worn by Jennifer Horvath, who died three year ago from cancer. The RDA and Kids Curing Cancer teamed for a “For the Cure” fundraiser at the Sandwich St. S. dance studio last Sunday afternoon.

The “For the Cure” fundraiser raised over $1,700 with over 30 dancers participating. It was open to youth from Grade 1-8 with some of the RDA dancers there but others who were new to the world of dance.

“The kids were able to collect donations,” said Cristofaro. “It was a give if you can opportunity.”

Some children had never danced before and were able to enjoy an afternoon seeing what it was all about. She said they were able to try it out, make some new friends and have a good time.

“We all have really good energy today,” she said during Sunday afternoon’s event. “We’re all doing it for the same purpose – to support people battling cancer.”

The instructors jumped on board immediately, she added, with the Blonde Coach Bar donating non-alcoholic, health drinks for the dancers to refuel on. Cristofaro said it was a way to “keep everything holistic and forward thinking as they take care of themselves.”

Cristofaro pointed out KCC is in its final year and RDA is pleased to be part of it.

“We are one of their final fundraising events,” she said. “We feel honoured to have been a vessel for them being able to serve the community. We were honoured to be asked.”

Cristofaro added: “Altogether, it’s a feel-good event.”

“For the Cure” fundraiser hosted by Rivertown Dance Academy

By Ron Giofu