On Saturday, Sept. 2, the dance studio was full of laughter, smiles and sweat. Dance department professors Meredith Lyons and Amanda Benzin came together to host a donation-based master class for Hurricane Harvey.
“We have a big student population here that is from Texas and we are all part of the United States, so when people are suffering, if we can do something then we should,” Benzin said.
The professors took monetary donations, as well as toiletries and used dance wear or athletic clothes. The money and items will be donated to the Houston Performing Arts Charter and public schools.
“Courtney Jones, our guest artist last semester, is born and raised from Huston,” Lyons said. “Via social media she was sharing a bunch of stuff that was happening down in Houston, I started seeing all of the professional dancers, dance educators and people that are in the field of the arts of how they are being affected.”
The donation dance class was open to all students and all community members. The class was hip hop based dance with Benzin teaching.
“We decided to do something that is within our wheelhouse and will be a fun experience for people, dancers and non dancers alike, that can help raise some money and donate clothes to people who need it,” Benzin said.
Lyons has a donation box outside of her office (Moss 154) for clothes and item donation. They also are accepting money from all students at CMU. The shipment will be sent out in the next week.
“It’s the one way I think we can give back. Super simple master class,” Lyons said. “It’s another great way for people to get to know Amanda, our new faculty. I grew up always doing donation classes and giving back to the community.”
The class was an hour long with students, alumni and community members coming out to participate.
Junior Ayla Schuetz, a dance major said, “It was a lot of fun. I think the cause is great and giving a little is better than nothing.” Schuetz is also part of the dance society club and they are also planning on doing a fundraiser in the upcoming weeks.
The class contained a hip hop warm-up and combo with across the floor break dancing style moves. The group jumped, skipped and worked their bodies to the music. Donations are still coming in, and there has been many who want to help out.
“I feel like it’s our responsibility as citizens to do something,” Lyons said.
KJCT news was also at the event and filming to later show the CMU studio. The video was aired on television following the master class. There were interviews with both Benzin and Lyons, as well as participants.