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Fundraiser helps keeps arts vibrant in Lacombe

The arts are something that we need to celebrate and actively participate in.

The arts are something that we need to celebrate and actively participate in.

That is the idea behind Shakin’ It for the Arts, an  event taking place this weekend to raise funds for a local dance studio and performing arts here in Lacombe.

“The arts are so important,” said Karina Peterson, owner of All That Jazz Dance Studio Inc. and organizer for the event. “Lacombe is very vibrant in the arts and we’d just like to get the community together.”

Shakin’ it for the Arts began as a fundraiser solely for the dance studio. Peterson said when the studio was invited to participate in Disney World’s Dance the World program this summer, they started thinking of ways to do a fundraiser where they could also give something back to the community.

One of the events they came up with was putting on an aerobics dance class. Instructors will be leading the class from on top of a flat-bed trailer and participants will be able to follow along. Peterson said that the workout will include line-dancing, some aerobic fitness and is suitable for people of all skill levels. She added that aerobics was chosen because it was something that people could actively participate in.

In order to support the entire arts community of Lacombe and not just the studio, All That Jazz decided to also give a donation to the Lacombe Centre for the Performing Arts and partnered with them as well, said Peterson.

In addition to the aerobics class, there will be a pre-show concert by a local singer and there may be a band as well. Peterson also said that the event is growing as more and more people hear about it. Many people have contacted her after learning about the event to see how they can get involved, she said.

“We’re very appreciative of all the sponsors that have come on board with us.”

While Peterson could not say how many people have already bought tickets for the event, she said the goal is to bring 500 people in. She added there are over $2,000 worth of door prizes to be won at the event.

Disney World’s Dance the World program is nearly identical to the Dance the Magic program that takes place in Disneyland.

The biggest difference between the two is that one is in Florida and the other is California.

Both programs have dancers from across the globe dancing in the parades and also giving opportunities for dance clubs to participate in a dance showcase and in dance workshops as well.

All That Jazz Dance Studio has had less than a year to prepare for the event. Peterson said they began fundraising when the club was invited in September and will need to raise about $2,000 per dancer. So far, the club has raised about $8,000.

Eighteen dancers between the ages of seven and 20 will be going to Florida to take part in the program. Peterson said that Dawn’s School of Dance in Carstairs was the first studio contacted by Dance the World and invited All That Jazz Dance Studio, who in turn invited a dance school in Sylvan Lake, to participate in the program as well.

All That Jazz will be leaving at the end of the month for Disney World and will be participating in the July 1st parade. Peterson said the club has never done any kind of trip like this before and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many dancers.

“It’s really exciting because some of the kids just won’t get this opportunity (again),” said Peterson.

Shakin’ It for the Arts will take place June 22nd at ME Global Park. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the preshow concert by Michelle Boudreau and the shakin’ starts at 11 a.m. and runs until noon. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at Sunny 94 and Upper Level Streetwear in Lacombe. Participants must be at least eight years of age.

news@lacombeexpress.com