DanceRoots Chase Your Dream charity show is not only about raising money but is mostly about celebrating Chase Nolan a young artist who died in 2013 to brain cancer.

Sarah Nolan owner and artistic director of DanceRoots suffered the lost of her first-born daughter twelve years ago. She started this charity show in her honor.

 “A heartbreak that rippled through our entire community. In her honor, our studio’s competitive team came together for a special performance called Chase Your Dreams. Since then, it has become more than just a show; it’s a tradition rooted in love, resilience, and the power of giving back,” said Nolan.

Chase was a ball of sunshine who liked to write jokes. She loved to read, write and   draw. She was described by her mother as a very selfless human who liked to giggle.

The CYD’s started, in the Steve Maclean Public school gym in Riverside South. The idea was introduced to Nolan by a competitive dance team parent, as a way to honour Chase and her love of the art. Over the years the studio has transitioned to Algonquin Commons Theatre to give the dancers the most stage experience before they began their competition season.

Each year in March the show begins with a morning rehearsal, followed by a team potluck.

“I cherish theses moments; this gives our dancers time to connect before the start of competition season. Then, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, we opened our hearts and our stage to the public for a performance that embodies the spirit of our studio and the impact it was on our community,” said Nolan.

DanceRoots dedicates their fundraising efforts to causes close to their hearts. Supporting local organizations like Brain Cancer research, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Dementia Society, and mental health services at CHEO. This season, DanceRoots has chosen to support CHEO’s Child Life Program. This is the program that help support Chase’s family during the most difficult times before her death.

The fundraising this year was led by the senior competitive dance students, with the guidance from Nolan and Rhonda Bignucolo competitive director.

This year DanceRoots hosted their first ever Dance-A-Thon an event that raised an incredible $10 000 dollars.

“With a few additional efforts, we surpassed our goal of $15,000—nearly doubling our highest fundraising total to date,” said Bignucolo competitive director.

Chase was part of the DanceRoots competitive dance team. Her mother founded the DanceRoots dance studio in Riverside South 17 years ago and opened a second location 3 years ago in Kemptville.

“I am proud of many things regarding DanceRoots, however I think one of the things I am most proud of is persevering through so many difficult situations that would have ended many businesses. Through these times I was reminded how important team and community is. Teaching/learning the art of dance is almost secondary to the students, and to my wonderful staff, it is the bigger lessons learned about life, and the navigation of it all, that is what drives us on a daily basis,” said Nolan owner and artistic director of DanceRoots.