In a heartwarming display of togetherness and kindness, Tyrone Area High School sisters Nora and Paige Hoy of Warriors Mark have raised more than $8300 to support local dancers through the Dazzling Dance Shoes project, and hope to add to that total again this year.
Through Andrea’s School of Dance Pass It On Fund, the Hoy sisters are helping spread the joy of dance to students in need. The money raised helps to extend the love of dance to dance students who lack the financial means to pursue their passion.
The sisters began the project in 2017 with the Dazzling Dance Shoe Gala.
To participate in the project, dancers and artists create dance shoes and supporters participate by donating money to their favorite shoes. Their initial fundraising goal was $350, but this year they would like to surpass the $1400 they raised in 2023.
Nora recently presented this year’s collection of shoes, showcasing creativity across different age groups: 3-6, 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18+.
The collection features painted designs, inspirational quotes, and mixed media, making each shoe unique.
“This year, our collection highlights a total of 11 shoes, each a work of art on its own. Particularly noteworthy is an artist who made history by creating two shoes representing different seasons, a first in our gala. It truly reflects the talent and innovation within our students and supporters,” Nora Hoy said.
Click this link to see the artwork: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGBdC2KZzo/TkoWJHSAJZSgCF3BCX623g/watch
The public is welcome to visit Andrea’s School of Dance on Main Street in Bellwood to view the shoes and make contributions.
For those unable to visit in person contact Tiffany Hoy, parent and Agricultural Educator, at [email protected].
The event was launched during the February MSDC Showcase and will run until the recital on June 8 at the Tyrone Area High School Auditorium.
The winning shoe in each category based on the most funds raised will earn category titles, and the artist with the most votes will be crowned the Ultimate Grand Winner.
“What started with a modest $300 goal in elementary school has now touched numerous lives. As we took on a challenge for our 2024 National Honor Society project, we decided to carry this initiative to pass it on to another dancer. The experience has been incredibly fulfilling. As Nora prepares to step into her senior year this Fall and I into my junior year, we are excited to pass on this initiative to another dancer at our studio. The timing feels just right to mentor someone new and ensure the project’s momentum continues,” sophomore Paige Hoy said.
