Christmas concert showcases talent, raises funds for causes

On Saturday, Dec. 8, the talents of Dance Extreme 2.0, the Kick-Up Kids Cloggers and Tara Nordgren’s Piano Players, put on a Christmas show at Weiser High School. 

 The show not only showed a variety of talent among local youth, but also helped raise money for two local cancer patients and food for the local food banks.

 Dance Extreme 2.0 director Alicia Cavazos started the annual Christmas Extravaganza three years ago. At the time, she partnered with VATS director Tori Thomas with the goal of showcasing the amazing talent of Weiser’s youth. 

 With many of the youth winning state and regional contests for the performing arts and continuing on to participate in college level performance, the community needs to have as many opportunities as possible to enjoy the talent our youth have to offer.

 This year, Dance Extreme 2.0 partnered with both Maryanne Walker’s Kick-up Kids and Tara Nordgren’s piano players to entertain audiences with an hour and half long show of dancing, singing, and piano. 

 Youth ranging in ages 3 to 18 performed in both groups and solo performances showing off Christmas spirit with seasonal favorites as well as previewing a few performances for the upcoming dance competition season.  

 The concert this year not only provided great entertainment, but Cavazos also partnered with local efforts to raise money for two cancer patients. Both women are in their 20s and facing difficult battles and expensive treatments for which they will have to travel to Portland. 

 The event offered an opportunity for attendees to support the efforts to raise money for these women through a raffle and through donation for admission. The event helped raise over $200. 

 The concert also encouraged donations to the local food banks as they are so desperately needed by many this time of year. 

 “We are so grateful for the support and generosity of this community,” Cavazos said.

 Kick-up Kids cloggers and Dance Extreme 2.0 both offer classes for preschool and up from beginner to advanced competition level. 

 The Kick Up Kids are instructed by Maryanne Walker. Dance Extreme performance students are instructed by Alicia Cavazos, Candace Lynch, Chandelle Huerta, and Sydnee Reyes. Dance Extreme also offers fitness classes and tumbling courses.