Dancers support Operation North Pole

Midwest Dance Collective, a semiprofessional dance ensemble, performed Saturday, Nov. 17, for Operation North Pole. In its fourth year, Operation North Pole (ONP) brings a day of Christmas joy to local children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. ONP’s all-volunteer staff sponsors a fantasy visit to the North Pole via Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line.

“For one day the children get to forget about being sick and enjoy a day of fun, family and festivities.” said Barb Dabler, director of ONP. “Midwest Dance Collective was a perfect addition to our event, the families and children loved their performance. We look forward to having this talented dance ensemble again next year.”

Midwest Dance Collective dancers presented excerpts from their touring Nutcracker. “We are both proud and humbled to be a part of this life-changing event. This year, as the company celebrates its 15-year anniversary, performances such as this keep us remembering that we dance to share our gift with others.” said director Ellen Werksman, a Barrington native and local dance educator.

One parent commented: “They touched the hearts of all the children and their families — my daughter would never be able to see a performance like this due to her illness. The Midwest Dance Collective dancers captivated my little girl and made her feel special … they were able to encourage her to leave her wheelchair into the comfort of their arms to actually get on the dance floor and dance … amazing!”

Midwest Dance Collective performs locally and nationally for various events and consists of dancers from Barrington, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Rockford, Chicago, Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Richmond, Hoffman Estates and Cary. These dancers bring their talent and expertise to the stage in educational forums, self-produced concerts, guest appearances and through charity performances. Studio training and audition opportunities with Midwest Dance Collective are ongoing. Contact Ellen Werksman at (847) 382-1699 if you wish to be a part of MDC or help with this project next year.

For information on Operation North Pole go to: www.operationnorthpole.org.

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