Holiday dance recitals benefit area charities

By Press Times Staff

ASHWAUBENON – For more than two decades, Barb’s Centre for Dance has combined the season of giving with holiday entertainment for its annual Spirit of the Holidays, A Celebration of Dance. 

This year’s events, held in Ashwaubenon Dec. 11 and Appleton Dec. 18, raised more than $43,754 for local charities.

The shows featured original tap, jazz, lyrical and ballet works choreographed to both traditional and contemporary holiday music, as well as a section from “The Nutcracker” presented by Ballet 360 Academy.

Monies were raised through ticket sales, a silent auction during the events, a miracle-minute fundraiser during each show, along with a bake sale and candy cane sales.

Owner and Director of Barb’s Centre for Dance, Barbara Cedergren, said Breakthrough Fuel, The Ninivaggi Family and two anonymous donors matched the funds raised.

Cedergren said the event is a high point during the dance season.

“Our dancers always love to perform on stage,” she said. “When their talents help to provide and give back to those in the community, it gives everyone involved a great feeling. We are very so happy with our holiday shows and the good that results from them. We look forward to continuing the tradition for many years to come. We also wish to thank the many wonderful volunteers that helped make the weekend a success.”

This year’s charity recipients include Willow Tree Child Advocacy Center, Freedom House Ministries, Pillars (Formerly Homeless Connections) and Prevent Suicide Fox Cities.

Additional donations were collected during the events for Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay and St. Joseph Food Program in Menasha.

Over the past 22 years, Barb’s Centre for Dance has donated more than $406,000 to area organizations raised through its holiday productions.

Barb’s Centre for Dance, with locations in Ashwaubenon and Grand Chute, is one of the largest dance studios in the state and has been in business for 36 years.