Local Studio to Dance for a Cure

When Debra Sparks’ mother, Phyllis, passed away in 2011, she wanted to do something in her honor.

So Sparks did what she does best – dance. And she invited others to join her.

The tradition will continue this year as hosts the second annual Dance for a Cure on April 14 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The event, which Sparks said is one big dance party, will be held at her studio on Walnut Avenue and is open to the public. All donations will go directly towards the American Cancer Society. A disc jockey from A Sharp Production will be there to play popular music. 

Sparks’ mother, who ran the office at the studio, survived stage-four lung cancer for four years before having a stroke at the age of 86. “She was a such a force here at the studio,” Sparks said. So when she passed away, “the parents rallied around her and wanted to do something.”

The Dance for a Cure event was a big success last year, Sparks said. Through donations from the approximately 75 attendees and the support of local sponsors, more than $5,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society. This year, Sparks said she hopes to double that amount.

“It was kind of overwhelming for me to see this outpouring of support not only for my mom but for a great cause,” Sparks said. 

Plus, she said, everyone who came had a great time. “We didn’t stop dancing for three hours." 

The 2012 sponsors for the Dance for a Cure event are: , Burns Auto, Newtown Friends School, Elite Concepts Salon, Green Horizons Landscape, CL Charities, Louie V’s Auto Detail and Orthodontics Limited.

Debra Sparks Dance Works offers a variety of classes, including tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop. Click here for more information.