‘A Chance to Dance’ marks 20 years of performances supporting Voices of Courage

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) – The Dance Arts Center of St. Joseph will host a dance event to raise awareness about child abuse.

‘A Chance to Dance’ is a fundraiser for the Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center of northwest Missouri. The event will take place Saturday at the Missouri Theater.

The event will feature 12 dance studios, including three professional companies across northwest Missouri, Kansas City region come together to perform a variety of dances on stage at the Historic Missouri Theater for the benefit.

The program has raised more than $150,000 over the 19 years since it started.

Marla Heeler, owner of The Dance Arts Center started the fundraiser in Illinois in 2007 before moving back to St. Joseph. She said ‘A Chance to Dance’ has always been on her heart.

“We did have a few interesting family issues that happened over time that just led to something that we really felt passionate about wanting to make a difference," she said. "I wanted to fix the big government organizations, and someone has wisely recommended that I get involved with a local organization and try to make a difference that way."

Heeler said it’s a great opportunity for the dancers to be able to come out and showcase their talent.

“We're able to donate money to a really important cause, that service nine counties here in Missouri. I think that reward; the kids can find out that doing something they love can really help to build the program," she said.

Heeler said that dance studios being involved in child abuse awareness is important because children are their main demographic.

“We can be an advocate for the kids. We help the kids be advocates for one another so I think dance studios being involved just make perfect sense to me," she said.

Heeler said the nest prt of the event are local dancers using their talkents towards a good cause

“They are able to do something they love. They’ll see all different styles of dance . It’s kids helping kids which is so great and I think if they can learn that you don’t have to go and do something that is out maybe of your comfort zone," she said.

Heeler the funds raise by event helps the Advocacy Center prevention programs.

"Everything that the Advocacy center does is absolutely free and people don't always realize that. I think it's important to know that every dollar counts for them. Coming out and supporting the event is huge.

Heeler said she hopes the audience have a wonderful night and they enjoy the different styles of dance.

"It's such a fun event and I hope they takeaway from that by doing something that is still enjoyable event, they know by turning out and being there the help make a difference in a life in a kid," she said.

Tickets $20 per person and available on JoMoTickets.