WESTLOCK – More than two dozen residents came out to participate in and show their support for the 12-annual Dance 4 Hope fundraiser.
Historically an outside street dance that started as part of the annual ag fair, the event moved indoors post-pandemic and was held June 17 at the Westlock Royal Canadian Legion and featured local Jazzercise instructor Kerri Wiegand.
Westlock Hope Resource Centre executive director Sylvia Yoder said the event “has evolved into a gender-equality function” whose ultimate goal is to “raise funds to support children and families as they navigate abuse.”
During the hour-long program, participants joined Wiegand for several Jazzercise routines with the last one entitled “One billion rising”, representing the theme for the event.
“It’s a signature piece and it’s a global song about women’s equality,” said Yoder, noting that following the last routine, they played another song, entitled “Unstoppable” by the artist Sia.
“It’s quite a powerful song and it just reminds women that they’re powerful, that they’re confident, that they’re unstoppable and that’s exactly the two purposes (of the event) – one is to raise funds and the second one is to say thank you to all these ladies that took time out of their weekend to support us.”
In addition, there was a silent auction along with a lemonade stand as part of Lemonade Day and a garage sale to help raise funds.
Wiegand has been a part of Dance 4 Hope since Day 1 and said it’s about “coming together in a form of movement for our own mental and physical health” and showing support for all women.
Yoder agreed and pointed out the importance of dance to one’s overall well-being.
“Dance is definitely a mental health benefit,” said Yoder. “Dance movement is really a practical way to address depression and anxiety so there’s a mental health facet that dance movement brings. It’s a fun way to get healthy and it’s a fun way to dance for a cause.”
