Kids for CureSearch
Kids for CureSearch encourages kids to participate in the fight to cure childhood cancer. As a parent or a teacher, you can help to foster the value of community service by encouraging children to help their peers.
Kids for CureSearch also provides a mechanism for building hope, community and school spirit. Whether it’s in honor of a classmate, or just a learning tool, there are many different ways to help, and different events to choose from.
Children’s Dance Ensemble, “Dance for a Cure”
On Sunday, May 3, 2009, Children’s Dance Ensemble hosted its annual spring benefit performance, “Dance for a Cure,” in which funds were raised for CureSearch.
Under the artistic direction of founder, MaryLou Cunningham, Children’s Dance Ensemble is the resident pre-professional dance company of Dance Workshop of Hanover, located in Hanover, Massachusetts and is comprised of talented young dancers between the ages of 12 and 18.
The first Dance Ensemble Production was created to benefit a young 4-year old student who was in need of a kidney transplant. Today, the former student is 30 years old, attends the benefit each year and stays in close contact with MaryLou. Since its inception, the performance has benefited many causes ranging from heart to veterans issues.
In 1996, Children’s Dance Ensemble was inspired to find a cure for childhood cancer because of the loss of a very young, talented dancer. Giving so much of themselves, the young dancers of Children’s Dance Ensemble rehearse an additional three hours on Sundays in addition to their normal training hours. Beyond the practice, the dancers also sell Yankee candles, admission and raffle tickets, and ask for donations to fund childhood cancer research. Through years of commitment and support, Children’s Dance Ensemble has donated over $25,000 and countless hours to CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Supported by the local high school and two other dance schools, the diverse repertoire is a full hour and a half performance that includes many of the classic ballets as well as various jazz and lyrical dance styles in originally choreographed pieces. According to MaryLou, the benefit performance gives her a chance to make her students better people and it gives the young volunteer dancers “a life beyond themselves” while having “an opportunity to participate in an important community service project.” Recalling a time when you didn’t say the “C” word, MaryLou states that the ultimate outcome from the tireless efforts of Children’s Dance Ensemble is to see a cure for childhood cancer.
The young leaders and dancers of Children’s Dance Ensemble deserve a standing ovation! For this, CureSearch extends great appreciation for helping us “Reach the Day” when every child diagnosed with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.
Look through our Tool Kit below, and let us know if you have any questions or ideas! Kidsforcuresearch@curesearch.org
