Aptos fundraiser to feature 150 local dancers

The Second Annual Carrie’s Dream Dance Scholarship Showcases and Auction on Sunday, February 21st in Aptos will feature over 150 young dancers who will perform and dazzle the audience, all while raising funds for local dance scholarships. Community members are invited to attend, be entertained, and help increase opportunities for local youth to dance.

The two different shows (at 1pm and 5pm) will feature ballet, lyrical, jazz and hip hop performed by very talented and well costumed dancers from Pacific Arts Complex, the Aptos High School Dance Team, Agape Dance Academy of Aptos and Scotts Valley, Cabrillo College, Carmel Academy of Dance, Elaine’s Dance Studio, and Sammy’s Animation Dance Community from Hollister. Both shows will also have a silent and live auction with local art, gift baskets, and gift certificates.

Carrie’s Dream Scholarship Fund Project was founded by friends, family, and colleagues in 2014 as a tribute to dance teacher and Watsonville studio owner Carrie Dianda McCoid. Carrie had a dream that all the students in our community who wanted to dance would be given that opportunity, regardless of their financial circumstances. Last year’s event proved to be an artistic and financial success and was a beautiful tribute to McCoid, who died in 2012. Over $23,000 dollars in scholarship funds were raised for over 30 aspiring local dancers. Ashley Tapley, one of the event organizers said, “When reading the scholarship applications, you quickly learn that dance means everything to these kids and it changes their lives in a profound way.”

The Carrie’s Dream Scholarship Fund is a project of Pacific Arts Complex, with locations in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, offering classes that teach everything from ballet to videography. This project was created in order to expand and provide dance scholarships at the Pacific Arts Complex for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity and resources to dance. In addition, 10% of ticket sales are shared with the Aptos High School Dance team and participating studios are entered into a random drawing for scholarship funds. In the years to come, and as more funds are raised and available, Carrie’s Dream looks forward to further expanding programs throughout the community.

Tickets are $20 each and are available online and onsite the day of the event (quantities limited) at the Aptos High School Performing Arts Center. Doors open 30 minutes before each show. For tickets and information visit www.CarriesDream.org.

Photos by Denise Russo Photography.