'Art with Heart' is labor of love

When 400 dancers get together, things happen.

Two years ago, dancers from three organizations — the Winner School of Salt Lake City, Dance Impressions of Bountiful and Dance Club of Orem — raised $10,000 for Shriners Hospital. Last year they raised $20,000. This year, they are hoping to raise more than $30,000.

"This is something that brings us together," said Kandee Allen, director of Dance Impressions. "We are usually competing against one another in national competitions, but when we do our annual 'Art with Heart' fund-raiser show, we are one, in one purpose."

The subtitle of "Art with Heart" is "Kids Who Dance So Others Can Walk." "We got together with the idea to raise money for the hospital to help provide medical costs to children whose families otherwise can't do it themselves," said Allen. "There are more than 4,000 children whose families can't afford good medical treatment, and that's why we're doing this."

Getting 400 young dancers, between the ages of 5 and 18, takes commitment, said Allen. "It takes dedication on both the dancers and their parents. The rehearsals are constant, and it takes commitment to get the dancers to those rehearsals. And it's a logistical exercise to get all the dancers in one place at one time. But it's worth it."

For the program, each school will present 10 works ranging from ballet to jazz to tap to hip-hop to modern, said Allen. "There are styles for everyone to enjoy. It's interesting how things happen. Last year, one of our own dancers had to undergo surgery in her feet, and then she was treated at Shriners Hospital."

Chaylyne Swenson had contracted a strep infection through a bruise — an infection that nearly took her life, and which resulted in parts of her feet being amputated in order to keep her vital organs working. "So this year, we're extremely lucky to have her back dancing. This year is a special one for us."

In addition to the dancing, local musician Kurt Bestor will make a guest appearance to perform one of his signature works, "Prayer of the Children."

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If you go. . .

What: "Art with Heart: Kids Who Dance So Others Can Walk"

Where: Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South

When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.

How much: $20

Phone: 355-2787 or 800-451-2787

Web: www.arttix.org

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com