More Than Performers: Using Dance to Make a Difference

At Encore Dance Company, dance is about so much more than learning steps, performing on stage, or mastering technique.

While these experiences are an important part of a dancer’s journey, some of the most valuable lessons happen beyond the studio walls.

Every child has unique gifts, talents, and strengths. One of the greatest opportunities we have as educators is helping young people understand that their talents can be used to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

This belief is the inspiration behind Applause for a Cause.

Created as an annual community fundraising event, Applause for a Cause brings together dance, generosity, and community spirit in a way that allows students to experience the impact they can have beyond the stage.

As dancers prepare, rehearse, and perform, they are also learning something equally important: that their passion for dance can help support others in meaningful ways.

In a world that often focuses on individual achievement, Applause for a Cause encourages students to look beyond themselves and recognise the power of kindness, compassion, and giving back.

Dance has always had the ability to bring people together. It creates connection, inspires joy, and builds community. Through this event, students have the opportunity to see how those same qualities can be used to support families facing challenges and to contribute to causes that make a real difference.

This year, Encore Dance Company was proud to support the Perth Children’s Hospital through Applause for a Cause.

For the students who participated, the evening represented far more than a performance opportunity.

It was a chance to learn that success isn’t measured solely by awards, results, or applause. Success can also be measured by the positive impact we have on the people around us.

Through events like Applause for a Cause, students are developing qualities that will serve them throughout their lives, empathy, gratitude, leadership, generosity, and a genuine desire to help others.

These lessons may not appear on a report card or performance program, but they are among the most important lessons dance can teach.

At Encore Dance Company, nurturing confident dancers will always be important. Equally important is helping young people become compassionate, community-minded individuals who understand that their talents can be used to create positive change.

Because when children learn to use their gifts to lift others up, the impact reaches far beyond the stage.

The Impact We Made Together

What started as an idea to bring dance and giving back together became such a special night for the entire Encore community.

Our inaugural Applause for a Cause raised an incredible $2,421 for Perth Children’s Hospital, helping support sick and injured children and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

And while the amount raised is something to be incredibly proud of, the impact of the evening went far beyond the fundraising total.

Our dancers were right at the heart of it.

They helped set up, pitched in throughout the evening, supported each other and embraced the opportunity to use something they love — dance — to help others. Seeing them working together, laughing, contributing and creating such a wonderful atmosphere was one of the most special parts of the night.

A huge thank you goes to Michelle, who put so much time, energy and heart into organising and running the evening, along with Claire and Tyler, whose help behind the scenes and on the night helped everything come together so beautifully.

Thank you also to every Encore family who donated, contributed, brought along prizes, participated in the evening or simply came along to support the cause. Every contribution helped make the night possible.

More Than a Fundraiser

For our dancers, Applause for a Cause was an opportunity to experience something that can’t be taught through a dance combination or learned in a rehearsal.

It showed them that their talents can be used to bring people together.

That kindness matters.

That giving back feels good.

And that even small acts of generosity can create something much bigger when a community comes together.

These are the moments that help shape young people into confident, compassionate and community-minded individuals, and they are exactly the kind of lessons that deserve a place alongside everything they learn in the studio.

The first Applause for a Cause was certainly one to remember, and seeing the Encore community come together with such generosity made it even more meaningful.

$2,421 raised. So many helping hands. One very special night.

And already, we’re looking forward to seeing what Applause for a Cause 2027 can become. 💛