Midwest Dance Collective performs at Komen 3-Day event
Dancers from Barrington, Lake Zurich, Rockford, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Lake Barrington, Chicago and other surrounding suburbs came together under the direction of Barrington native Ellen Werksman Friday, Aug. 9, for the Susan J. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer event at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.
The dancers are members of Midwest Dance Collective, a semiprofessional dance ensemble located in Barrington. MDC allows dancers to enrich their concert dance education and experience professional dance opportunities, while gaining training in the art of dance.
On Friday evening, all walkers and crew members gathered in the participant finish area, where they received a victory shirt, cheered on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrated one last time together before the performance of Midwest Dance Collective. The performers from MDC presented a tribute dance titled “Watercolors.”
“This dance was inspired by the moments in life when we meet someone that touches our heart and leaves us with watercolored memories forever,” said Werksman, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor.
“I feel we have all been touched in some way by this disease. Sadly, not everyone is a survivor, but on this day we celebrate those who are and remember with love those who have passed.”
Field coordinator Joan DeFilippo said, “We were so honored to have Midwest Dance Collective perform at this event and feel especially thrilled that they were able to bring a dance that fit so appropriately with the Susan J. Komen Celebration. The walkers are still talking about their stunning performance.”
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is the most widely known, largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the United States.
Since its inception in 1982, Komen has provided nearly $1.5 billion for breast cancer research, education, advocacy, health services and social support programs in the U.S., and through partnerships in more than 50 countries.
Today, Komen has more than 100,000 volunteers working in a network of 124 affiliates worldwide. The Susan J. Komen 3-Day walk raises millions of dollars annually.
One walker commented, “These talented dancers were amazing and the mesmerizing choreography left me and the audience emotionally inspired. It was a perfect finale for our day.”
MDC dancer Brier Barbeau said, “It was so moving to see all the walkers in their pink outfits and all the pink tents on the field. I really like performances like this; they allow us to keep our lives in perspective while allowing us to share our gift of dance, which we love so much.”
Midwest Dance Collective performs locally and nationally.
“It is important that our dancers give their time, talent and energy to an event like this. It helps them know they are part of something bigger than themselves,” Werksman said.
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