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ST. CHARLES – Young dancers had a chance to help the community, munch on pizza and dream.
That’s because 34 dancers in a dance company from Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles participated in a team day activity called “Hopes, Dreams and Pizza” on Jan. 12.
According to Jenny O’Brien, studio owner and director, team day is where the dancers do a team-building activity monthly to bond and could even do something that helps the community.
“It’s important for me … to teach kids about giving back, helping others, promoting kindness especially in today’s world,” O’Brien said. “… That was something that I always wanted to set out to create. …”
During the event Anne Stephans, volunteer and special events coordinator of Lazarus House in St. Charles, spoke.
[Anne Stephans of Lazarus House talks to dancers of Inspire Dance Company during an activity at Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles on Jan. 12. Dancers brought donations for Lazarus House and learned about the St. Charles shelter.]
Dancers with hair down or in ponytails and socks sat on the black dance floor and listened attentively.
“It’s a homeless shelter,” Stephans said. “We offer a safe place for people to come.”
Stephans explained that people could receive food and get resources to find a job.
“It’s just like your house,” Stephans said. “ … Lots of good toys, food.”
[Lauren Quisling, 10, of Geneva speaks to Lazarus House volunteer and special events coordinator Anne Stephans during an event at Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles on Jan. 12. Members of the school's Inspire Dance Company brought donations for Lazarus House and learned about the St. Charles shelter.]
She called the living arrangements like living in a dorm, which has bunk beds and a family room.
She added that rent could be 10 percent of one’s paycheck. Also, the residents do chores.
“It’s kind of how it would be at your house,” Stephans said.
[Audrey Zho, 10, of Elburn and Emma Haybox, 9, of Geneva write letters for residents of Lazarus House during an event at Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles on Jan. 12. Members of the school's Inspire Dance Company brought donations for and learned about the St. Charles shelter.]
She spoke on some local businesses providing leftover food. She asked if the dancers liked cookies and pies.
The girls—ranging from 7 to 14 years old – smiled and nodded.
Donations from the dancers lined the studio’s brick wall, including disinfecting wipes, cough drops, detergent bottles, dishwashing liquid and sandwich and storage bags.
Dancers wrote messages on cards called a “smile card” that had smiling face on the cover to people at Lazarus House.
[Jenny O'Brien talks to her company dancers during an event at Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles on Jan. 12. Members of the school's Inspire Dance Company brought donations for Lazarus House and learned about the St. Charles shelter.]
Stephans expressed her appreciation for the dancers.
“I was very touched by all that they wanted to do for us,” Stephans said. “And I was just impressed with Jenny … and how giving these girls want to be.”
Later the dancers dined on thin cheese pizza and bottled water.
Avery Cook, 10, a Geneva resident, spoke on feeling happy to give back.
“I have this little warm spot in my heart,” Cook said. “… It means so much to these people. And the fact that just one little thing can do so much – it’s really amazing.”
Dancers wrote messages on a tag about what their dreams were. Recipients were invited to share their dreams via O’Brien’s email.
[Delaney Cook, 7, of Geneva carries a donation for guests of Lazarus House during an event at Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles on Jan. 12. Members of the school's Inspire Dance Company brought donations for Lazarus House and learned about the St. Charles shelter from volunteer and special events coordinator Anne Stephans.]
The messages were attached to the streamer string of pastel pink, hot pink and white balloons.
The dancers let balloons fly in the chilly night sky and purple haze clouds, looking like bubbles until they disappeared.
Avery Cook’s sister, Delaney, 7, wrote that her dream is to help as many people as she could.
“I just want to change the world to make it a better place for others,” Delaney Cook said.