On Sunday, Nov. 10, Sacred Heart University’s Dance Company, Dance Ensemble, Inception Dance Crew, and Claddagh Dance Team participated in the Connecticut Dance Conservatory’s (CDC) second annual “Day of Dance” performance, a benefit showcase in support of families fighting pediatric cancer.
The performance was held at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport and featured performances from local dance studios across the state.
It started last year, when co-owner of the CDC, Karen Nerkowski, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. In an effort to help their friend, the conservatory decided to put on a performance to raise money for her treatment.
“I reached out to my good friend, Daniel Vieira, the owner of LivFree, and asked him for advice, and he said, ‘do what you do best– put on a show.’ So, I did,” said Dina Castelluccio, Co-Owner of CDC.
Thanks to the showcase, CDC was able to raise enough funds to support Nerkowsi’s recovery. A year later, Nerkowski is now cancer free.
After the event’s success, CDC decided they wanted to continue dancing for a good cause. This year, CDC partnered with LivFree, a nonprofit organization that provides support to families battling pediatric cancer, and hosted their second annual Day of Dance.
The showcase featured a diverse range of dances from various age groups including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and even Irish dance. SHU’s Claddagh Dancers performed their fan-favorite piece, “Grackle,” where the dancers perform on tap boards and showcase their unique rhythms and style of dancing.
“It’s a really fun dance that gives the audience something they’ve never seen before,” said Claddagh Dance Captain Sam Cunniff. “It was an honor to be there,”
SHU’s participation in the Day of Dance Benefit Showcase highlights the university’s commitment to engaging and giving back to its community. For many of the SHU performers, participating in this event was about supporting a meaningful cause.
“I loved participating in this event because not only was it my home studio, but especially since Karen was diagnosed, it’s been very near and dear to my heart that we were able to give back,” said CDC alumna and SHU Dance Company member Emma DeLise.
This year, 13 different studios, along with dance professionals, performed. Between ticket sales, raffle baskets, auctions, and food trucks, the CDC was able to raise over $15,000 for families with pediatric cancer.
”The Day of Dance showcase has been a really broad way to raise money and the silver lining in Karen’s diagnosis– to bring people together in a bigger sense and non-competitive dance and share our love for dance,” said Castelluccio.
As the Day of Dance continues to grow, the CDC hopes that it will continue to be a powerful example of how the arts can unite a community.
