“Children helping children” has been the theme of the Love that Child Dance Showcase since its inception in 2011. The Annual Benefit Concert provides a stage for young local and US dancers and artists to showcase their talents while raising funds to assist local children's homes.

This year's production, sponsored by Aliv and Bank of the Bahamas and produced by Karen Rawlings of The Philly Connection, comes to the University of The Bahamas' Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, January 28th at 3pm. Hosted by Funky D, the event features young rising stars from dance schools across The Bahamas and their counterparts from The Philly Connection out of the United States. The production promises artistry, exuberance and dazzling choreography, all to benefit the Ranfurly Home for Children and the Children's Emergency Hostel.

"We are super excited about this year's concert. It will be our first time at the University of The Bahamas venue and we have excellent participation from so many local dance schools and organizations. These kids are exceptionally talented and they are beyond thrilled to dance for such an important cause. It's going to be a great show and we invite Bahamian families to come out and enjoy and support the cause," said Karen Rawlings, event producer.

In addition to a variety of dance styles from jazz to ballet to hip hop this year's show will have the urban flavor of choreography inspired by Los Angeles based celebrity choreographer Chuck Maldonado. Mr. Maldonado has choreographed for hit TV and feature films including Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Step Up & Stomp the Yard. He will be the special guest instructor at a Philly Connection/Love That Child Dance Workshop to be held on Saturday, January 27th at the Melia Hotel.

"Mr. Maldonado is the hottest choreographer in Hollywood right now and we are very grateful and excited to have him as our guest instructor this year along with our artistic director Debbie Appaluchi. We are inviting all aspiring dancers in Nassau to come out on Saturday and learn from the best the industry has to offer," Ms. Rawlings said.

All dancers who participate in the workshop will be featured in a special performance at The Love That Child Dance Showcase. They will join a cast that includes artists from St. Andrews School, Soulful Feet Dance Academy, Dance Bahamas School, Eurhythmics Dance Studio, Passionate Expressions Dance Studio, The National Children’s Choir, Just Dance Bahamas, Bahamas Dance Theatre; Power Surge Performing Arts Company (USA), Vocalist Rashad Cunningham, Ministry of Education students (Choir and Dance), The Philly Connection and other US dancers.

The Love that Child production was inspired by a song written by a former Ranfurly resident Damien Davis. It was first brought to fruition with the support of Bank of The Bahamas.

This year's show starts at 3pm on Sunday at the University of The Bahamas' Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $15 General Admission or $25 reserved seating, available online and at the door. For more information interested persons can visit the Love That Child Facebook Page or email phillyconnection@hotmail.com.

Photo-caption:

TIARA JOSEY – dance scholarship winner (centre), performs at Love that Child with fellow dancers.