A Hobart dance initiative born from personal tragedy has raised more than $220,000 for cancer support services since its creation.
Tassie Dancers Against Cancer will hold its annual Gala Showcase this month, bringing together dancers from studios across southern Tasmania.
Dancer Piper Lovell said there will be something for everyone.
“Different groups, solos, duos, there’s family dances of all different styles. Tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, pretty pretty much everything,” she said.
The program was founded by Sharon Shirley, Studio Director of Encore Dance, after she lost her mother, a young dancer and a staff member to cancer.
“TDAC was born from personal loss and a desire to turn grief into hope,” Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Alison Lai said.
“Everyone’s got a cancer story and we know so many. The dancers will be up there dancing in memory of someone that they know, but also to turn it into a fundraising event for Cancer Council Tasmania is incredibly special.”
The organisation has grown to include the annual “A Chance to Dance” day alongside the Gala Showcase.
The events bring together dancers of all ages and styles in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
“It’s an incredible event that brings together dancers from across all dance studios in southern Tasmania,” Lai said.
Many participants dance in support or memory of someone affected by cancer.
All funds raised go directly to Cancer Council Tasmania’s local cancer prevention and supportive care programs.
“Those dancing are often dancing in support or in memory of someone impacted by cancer, and all funds raised are invested back into our local cancer prevention and supportive care programs and services,” Lai said.
The $220,000 raised since the program’s inception has supported local cancer services and prevention programs across Tasmania.
