The University’s chapter of Relay For Life raised over $560 for the American Cancer Society at the Hit the Floor For the Cure dance showcase, which featured performances from 10 diverse student dance groups in the Glass Pavilion on Friday.
According to junior Kelly Chu, one of the three Relay For Life co-presidents, events like these are good for both the group’s reputation and their ability to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Recently, Relay For Life has sponsored a cappella showcases.
“The goal of this event is to raise money for the American Cancer Society,” Chu said. “This is the first year we have held a dance show, but we have held two annual a cappella shows before, which were both very successful. We like holding events like these because it not only raises money but also allows us to get our name throughout campus and get people excited for our main event in April.”
Baila, Masti, Temps D’Afrique, Jaywalk, B-boys, Vivaz, JOSH, JHU Ballet, SLAM and the Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe participated in the showcase.
Baila began the show with a number featuring a large proportion of its dancers followed up by Masti’s Bollywood and hip hop performance inspired by the movie She’s The Man. Temps D’Afrique gave an African dance performance followed by Jaywalk, who presented a dance entitled “Black and Gold.”
Next was a dance-off featuring members of B-Boys and other dance groups, followed by a brief intermission during which Relay for Life held a bake sale and a raffle for a four-day trip for two to the Bahamas. Relay for Life will be selling the $10 tickets until April 10.
After the intermission was a showcase from Vivaz, the women and one man Caribbean-inspired dance group. They were followed by a lively performance from JOSH, an all-women Bollywood fusion dance team. JHU Ballet performed a segment from its production of The Nutcracker which took place in December. The numerous members of SLAM presented a dance as well, followed by the Young Han Lion Dance Troupe whose two dragon ensembles interacted with the audience and spat oranges and lettuce leaves at the crowd.
Planning the event provided a stimulating challenge for the group, according to the presidents, who were grateful that so many dance groups were willing to showcase their work and join in the charity event.
“The event involved a lot of committee and student group participants. Our entertainment co-chairs worked really hard to reach out to as many student groups as possible, and we’re really thankful that so many groups agreed to participate,” Chu said. “Planning the dance show was a really rewarding experience because we ended up raising over $560, and it was really great seeing all of our hard work as a committee pay off.”
The group is also coordinating a number of other events leading up to the annual relay for life itself on April 10. The co-presidents also mentioned the events that will take place over the next few weeks, including events co-sponsored with other organizations.
“We are also hosting smaller events throughout the semester prior to Relay. Right now, we are working with Pizza Studio for a fundraiser on their opening day as well as JHUnions to host cancer education events in Nolan’s,” Chu said.
Freshman Keri Frese, who attended the showcase with friends, spoke about the excitement of the event and her delight at knowing that the money raised at the event will go to the benefit of the American Cancer Society.
“This enthusiasm and passion brought to us by this event by the various dance groups created an atmosphere that was joyful and unifying,” Frese said. “What made the event even better was the fact that all the proceeds made at the incredible event went to an even more incredible cause.”
