“My wife and I have been involved with the dance community for may years,” Bender says. “In the past, we’d go to events and see great talent in these kids. We thought, ‘wouldn’t it be nice to stage an event where instead of competing against each other ... ’ Why can’t we do something to get the kids together to get to know one another and do something for charity? Let’s give them an opportunity to dance and do something for others.”

The benefit, produced by DanceMotion, includes dancers from DanceMotion Performing Company, Classic Image Dance, Creative Dance Arts‑Dance Magnificat of Tucson, Dance Express, Royal Dance Works, Studio D, The Dance Studio of Prescott, Victoria’s Dance Depot, as well as a special appearance by the professional dance troupe,  Automatic Response. 

Attendees can expect exceptional performances including jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical, ballet, and hip hop.

The DanceMotion Performing Company is based in Northeast Phoenix and features a cast of  more than 100 young dancers ages seven through 19 who perform professionally staged productions. Kevin and Meri Bender have directed the company since 1987. The nonprofit dance education company focuses on Arts in Education and other community arts projects.

“This is a chance for the kids to show off their talent and skills without being in a competitive setting,” Bender explains. “It’s a great social event for the kids. They make great friends during their short time together. They look forward to getting together and helping out.

“I had one instructor call me from Tucson and ask if her kids could get involved. She said she danced in the event five years ago. It’s becoming more and more popular every year.”

This is the sixth year for the event and the performances have raised more than $33,000 for local children’s charities.

“I think it’s important to find the charity or foundation that will benefit the kids. It’s all for the kids,” Bender says.

The Caitlin Robb Foundation was established in 1995 in memory of the two‑year‑old Tempe toddler who lost her battle to pediatric cancer. The foundation and its board of directors are committed to raising community awareness of pediatric cancers and helping those children in need.

“Our goal is to someday take the benefit to different parts of the country,” Bender says. “The money raised in other places won’t necessarily be for the Robb Foundation. The idea is to keep it local and let the organizers decide who the funds go to.”

Tickets are $15 and are available by calling (602) 971‑9170 or (602) 262‑7272, or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or any participating dance studio. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the show.