Dance for the Cure - Booth #

We are honored to welcome Dance for the Cure, a mission that holds deep personal meaning for us. Our own experiences have reinforced the importance of awareness, early detection, and ongoing community support, and we are proud to stand alongside an organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

How they began, a personal journey

Dance for the Cure was born from the personal journey of Kathleen Cirioli, whose life was deeply shaped by her experiences with breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. Throughout her treatment and recovery, dance remained her constant source of strength, resilience, and joy.

As the longtime owner of the Kathleen Academy of Dance in Hillsborough, Kathleen pivoted in 2021 to launch JustTAP!, an all-adult tap dance studio offering classes from beginner to advanced levels. Designed for those discovering tap for the first time or returning to a lifelong passion, JustTAP! reflects Kathleen’s enduring dedication to movement, community, and creativity.

After more than five decades of teaching, Kathleen continues to share her love of tap and inspire students of all ages with her energy, spirit, and determination.

Kathleen’s resilience and dedication did not go unnoticed. Even before the rise of social media, her story reached a national audience, leading to an invitation to appear on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. There, she shared her experience—including her earlier battle with ovarian cancer at just nineteen—and, alongside fellow dancers and friends, performed live to highlight the importance of early detection and the healing power of the arts.

This powerful combination of personal perseverance and community support laid the foundation for what would become Dance for the Cure.

Ways to Support Dance for the Cure

Volunteers play a key role in both ongoing initiatives and the annual fundraising event. Opportunities include:

• Assisting with seasonal awareness campaigns such as creating and distributing pink bows to local businesses and supporting town-wide breast cancer awareness efforts in October

• Helping organize and execute the annual Ribbons of Hope fundraiser, including basket preparation at “Basket Central” from mid-August through October

• Contributing ideas for local fundraisers or hosting independent fundraisers benefiting Dance for the Cure

• Supporting administrative tasks such as mailings and outreach efforts

• Promoting the organization within personal and professional networks to expand community awareness and engagement

Volunteer involvement ranges from occasional help to more committed weekly support, offering flexible ways to contribute while directly supporting individuals impacted by breast cancer.

At our Nonprofit Expo on June 14, we invite you to learn more about their mission and consider how you can get involved. Whether through donations, event participation, or simply helping to spread awareness, your support makes a difference!