Stepping up

When Krysta Logozzo’s grandmother passed away last year, she wanted to carry on her love of dancing so she organized a fundraising event to do just that.

Doctors diagnosed Mary Logozzo with vascular dementia about eight years ago but before that, Logozzo said she would often dance with her grandmother at family events. Logozzo wanted to honour her grandmother so she became the co-chair of the Dance for Memories event in support of the Alzheimer's Society of Thunder Bay.

The idea to have a fundraiser came from Logozzo and her Aunt Maria Hudolin. They thought the Alzheimer's Society was a good fit for the event because no matter what state of dementia or mental illness someone may have they could still enjoy dancing and music, she said.

"The idea spawned from my grandmother," Logozzo said. "Music and dancing was something she enjoyed. It is (in her memory) but it is also for everyone that suffers from Alzheimer's and mental illness."

Logozzo said people didn’t have to worry if they don’t know how to dance because instructors will be available to help anyone who may need a few pointers. The style of dance will change per hour with an hour dedicated to different eras, she said.

To kick off the event, Logozzo organized more than 60 performers who spontaneously dance at the Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday.

Michelle Cvornjek, 23, a teacher with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, had all eyes on her when she banged a serving tray down onto a food court table. She and the other performers then broke into a choreographed dance to Lady Gaga’s Born this Way.

It took about a month to plan and two practices to nail down the routine but the important thing was to have fun while supporting a good cause, Cvornjek said.

"My knees were shaking a little bit but otherwise it was amazing," Cvornjek said after the dance number. "I first I thought I was either going to break the tray or the table because I was slamming it so hard. I saw the table vibrating. But as soon as that music started I just felt a rush."

The Community dance event will be on May 7 at Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute and will start at noon until 8 p.m. The event is free to watch but those who want to dance have to pay a $25 registration fee.

For more information, visit the Dance for Memories website.