DeMaira Dance Studios spearheads fundraiser for Celebrating Seniors Coalition

For Kathy and Joe DeMaira, giving back isn’t a side effort. It’s an integral part of their studio’s rhythm.

Since founding Oak Park-based DeMaira Dance Studios in 2007, the husband-and-wife team has developed a strong reputation for its ability to train dancers of all ages and skill levels.

Along the way, from their studio at 1146 Chicago Ave., they’ve cultivated a community rooted in creativity, connection and compassion. Those values come to life each year through their signature charitable event known as The Dance Exhibition.

On March 1^st, they held The Dance Exhibition at Dominican University and raised $5,000 for the Celebrating Seniors Coalition. The non-profit organization, whose weeklong series of events begins this Thursday, May 7th, is dedicated to uplifting and supporting older adults in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

“The DeMairas have found a powerful way to connect generations through art and service,” said Dr. Jim Flanagan, founder of the Celebrating Seniors Coalition. “Their commitment supports our work and helps remind older adults in our community that they are seen, valued and celebrated.”

The Dance Exhibition featured six dance schools, including competition teams and recreational students who showcased their talent while contributing to something larger than themselves. The event was free and open to the public, with all proceeds and donations funded directly by participating performers and schools.

“Our goal is to create a showcase where dancers support each other in their art and creativity, while also giving back to the community,” said Kathy DeMaira. “The atmosphere is electric—fun, inspiring and full of encouragement. You see dancers cheering each other on, and that camaraderie is powerful.”

That spirit of generosity is a hallmark of DeMaira Dance Studios, which has supported a variety of nonprofit organizations, including Beyond Hunger, Hephzibah Children’s Association, Opportunity Knocks, Timothy’s Ministry and the Oak Park Animal League.

Each partnership flows from a direct connection to the dance studio community or a recognized need within the broader area. This year’s selection of the Celebrating Seniors Coalition carries a particularly personal meaning.

In August 2025, Kathy DeMaira lost her father, Robert Teubert. As the studio began considering its next charitable partner, the mission of the Celebrating Seniors Coalition stood out immediately.

“Their focus on supporting seniors and fostering connection across generations felt like a perfect fit,” she said. “It also felt like a meaningful way to honor my dad. We hope our contribution helps seniors in need and reminds them they are valued and not alone.”

The decision underscores a broader belief held by the DeMairas: that community impact isn’t limited by industry.

“Dance is about expression and connection,” Kathy said. “When you combine that with service, it teaches dancers that their talents can truly make a difference.”

That lesson resonates strongly with students and families, Joe DeMaira added.

“We join our families in teaching our young dancers early that their time, energy and creativity can directly benefit others,” he said. “That’s something we hope stays with them for life.”

The roots of The Dance Exhibition can be traced to a need that arose within the dance community itself. In 2010, there was a devastating fire at the Stairway to the Stars studio in Maywood. Located on the second and third floor of a historic building that had originally been a bank, Stairway to the Stars had been in operation for over 30 years at that point.

Local studios supported recovery efforts through a fundraising showcase called “Dancers Helping Dancers.”

“That was the inspiration,” Kathy said. “It showed what’s possible when people come together.”

That sense of mutual support became even more meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the community rallied around small businesses like DeMaira Dance Studios. Today, the studio sees its charitable efforts as a way to give back in kind.

“We were supported during a difficult time,” she said. “Now we’re grateful to be in a position to support others.”

The Dance Exhibition has since grown into a collaborative effort involving numerous dance schools from across the region—and even internationally. Over the years, participating groups have included:

ABC Dance Academy, (director Alina Kruk-Velazquez)
Cea De Leon, (director Paloma Pielago)
Dance Center of LaGrange, (directors Brittany Smith & Dana Fry)
Dynamic Force, (director Sheena Baskerville)
Intricate Dance Chicago, (director Teia Podgorny)
Jo’s Footwork Studio, (director Jay Fagan)
Norridge Park District School of Dance, (directors Sharon Girten & Alexis Rohde)
Maywood Fine Arts/Stairway of The Stars, (directors Lois Baumann, Heidi Renteria & Taiyana Shurn)
VOLTA Performing Arts, (director Deborah “Miss Dee” Byczkowski)

Performers range in age from 4 to 70-plus, reflecting the inclusive, intergenerational spirit that aligns naturally with Celebrating Seniors.

In addition to charitable giving, the event supports dancers directly through scholarships. Participating instructors nominate students to receive financial assistance toward continued training.

Looking ahead, the DeMairas hope to expand The Dance Exhibition to multiple times a year while also bringing it to new communities.

“If our partnership inspires even one more person or business to get involved, that would mean everything,” Kathy said. “We all have something to give.”

DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc. offers classes in all styles of dance including hip hop, tap, ballet, pointe, jazz and much more. Lessons are for beginners through advanced dancers, from age 3 on up through teens and adults. To learn more, visit https://www.demaira-dance.com/.

This year, the Celebrating Seniors Coalition weeklong series of events begins on Thursday, May 7^th. The schedule of events, along with additional resources and information, is available at https://celebratingseniors.net/events/. For more information, visit https://celebratingseniors.net/.