Dancers raising money for Disney workshop

The Jaguars Dance Club from Desert View Elementary School in San Luis will attend a Disney Performing Arts Studios workshop at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

“When students found out they had been chosen for the opportunity, they were very excited. They couldn't believe it. Some of them were in shock, some of them were very excited they didn't know how to react,” said dance teacher Cindy Rodriguez.

She said the April 2 workshop is a mandatory requirement in order to perform in Disneyland parades, which they plan to apply for as well.

“The girls will be participating in a workshop with professional Disney dancers where they will be learning new professional dance techniques, moves, a great educational experience, as well as everything that happens backstage right before a show begins.

“They will be able to see how hair and makeup and accessories are done before a show. We will also be receiving a special thank-you plaque from Disney Performing Arts Studios.”

She noted that the students have participated in multiple parades locally as well as various community and school events. Most recently, Rodriguez said, the girls won first place in the float division and for their dancing in the Founders Day Parade in San Luis on Oct. 22.

The community can see the girls perform at upcoming light parades held in San Luis at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 and in Yuma at 6 p.m. Dec. 8.

In order for the entire club — 36 dancers ranging in age from 6 to 12 — to attend the workshop, Rodriguez said that they need to raise $7,000 through multiple fundraisers. The cost includes bus transportation, tickets for the workshop, food and tickets to the Disneyland parks.

She said that so far they are planning a hamburger sale, a Coach bag raffle, chocolate sales and candle sales. While her dance students are in charge of selling tickets at various locations in San Luis and Yuma, she will also have tickets for the fundraisers at Stan's Grocery, 1920 S. 1st Ave. in Yuma.

The first round of tickets up for grabs at Stan's will be for the Coach bag raffle at $3 a ticket. The value of the purse is $159, Rodriguez added.

“We just hope that people can support us in any way they; we would really appreciate it,” she said. “They're working so hard so they can have a good chance to make it as real professional dancers and choreographers. It will be a really neat learning experience that they will never forget.”

For more information about upcoming fundraisers or how to donate, contact Rodriguez at curibe@gesd32.org or at 627-6915.

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.