Camp Ahwaga fundraiser show features local dancers

The third annual Camp Ahwaga fundraiser is scheduled on Sunday, April 9 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Owego Middle School.

Competitive dance teams from Owego’s Kathy Hansen School of Dance (KHSOD) are the featured performers at the show, which also includes performances by two special guests, one being well-known regional pianist Rick Pedro, and another, singer/soloist Paul Doolittle.

Camp Ahwaga, a six-week free summer camp for children from Tioga County living with disabilities, is a non-profit organization that provides education-based and recreational activities.

An exciting feature of the fundraiser show, children from the Camp Ahwaga program will perform by singing the show opener.

Two of the KHSOD competitive teams performing at the fundraiser are the petite competitive team, which includes boys and girls from second to fifth grades, as well as an advanced competitive team comprised of dancers up to their senior year of high school.

Sixteen year-old Grace Strojny and twelve year old Shelby Steele are two seasoned KHSOD dancers who will perform at the fundraiser show, both dancers since their toddler years. Grace and Shelby will be part of an ensemble that will dance together in a Broadway-style production based on the animated feature film, “Sing,” as well as perform other dance numbers.  Several dance styles will be highlighted during the show’s “dance-off,” which includes jazz, tap, lyrical and hip-hop.

Grace and Shelby explained that elaborate costumes are as much a part of the show as are the choreographed dance numbers. For example, Grace, while performing a lyrical dance, plans to wear a long skirt that was chosen to reflect how a river flows. Shelby, who particularly enjoys jazz dance, gave an example of jazz costumes that are especially vibrant in color, and are oftentimes adorned with sequins, sparkles and even feathers.

Kathy Hansen, owner of KHSOD, remarked that the fundraiser is a kick-off to the competition season, which starts in May and is an excellent opportunity for the dancers to showcase their talents and become acquainted with performing in front of a live audience.  

Tami Steele, who has two daughters on KHSOD competitive teams, Shelby and Ashleigh, explained that the studio and families are proud to be putting on the fundraiser and that the dancers have been working extremely hard to prepare.   

Hansen said that KHSOD dancers are exceedingly talented and have won multiple awards.  The dance season, which begins each September, consists of upwards of eight to ten hours per week of dance technique and choreography.

“They are very dedicated,” Hansen said.  Both Hansen and Steele added that guests who attend the show would be amazed when they watch the dancer’s extraordinary talent. 

Grace and Shelby added that they have both grown as dancers through the years and are excited about performing in the fundraiser show. Both have participated in the Camp Ahwaga fundraiser since its inception and enjoy helping other young people.

Both girls shared, “We’re kids helping kids,” and added that it’s important that each helps one another.

A requested donation of $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family is asked. The fundraiser show also includes basket raffles, and light snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Camp Ahwaga activities.  

For additional information, find the event, 3rd Annual Camp Ahwaga Fundraiser, on Facebook or call Kathy Hansen School of Dance at (607) 687-5684.