United Dance Project students Maddie Linsell-Ryan, Lyla and Ally Luxford and Clare Jadezak have created a team called ‘Dream to Dance’ for this year’s Relay for Life, set to kick off on March 14.

With at least 23 members from the dance school joining the girls, they mentioned they are walking in memory of one very special person, ‘Miss Steph.’

Miss Steph taught many of the dancers from as young as three years old. In 2018 Steph was diagnosed with grade IV Diffuse Midline Glioma, she battled the brain cancer and during it all showing so much courage, determination and strength, though sadly, she lost her battle in 2019.

“We were all very close to Miss Steph, so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get together and raise money for her and to help raise awareness and possible prevention for this horrible disease” said Maddie.

Team Captain, Lyla added, “She was the nicest dance teacher ever, she was so patient, fair and she inspired all of us. Miss Steph was always there for us, she wouldn’t get frustrated if we got a move incorrect, she always trusted us. She would always say, we need to be so grateful for our lives because there are people less fortunate out there, and that it’s amazing that we have this opportunity to dance. So we are doing it for her.”

“We just hope to raise hope for people and raise as much money as we can so people can get to and from the hospital for their treatments and try and find a cure. Miss Steph loved hip-hop and she loved bandanas so that’s why we will be relaying wearing bandanas, and we will be wearing yellow.”

Ally explained, “We are just going to try and do as many laps as we can. I think just being there, I know she will be watching over us, it will be a really fun day to enjoy.”

The Dream to Dance team hope to raise a total of $2,000.

“If we raise more that would be amazing,” said Clare, “We have 23 people on our online team at the moment but basically our whole dance studio is getting behind us and will be turning up on the day to support us. I’m proud of everyone, just for contributing and I know Miss Steph would be too.”

To donate, head to the Relay for Life website and you’ll find the girls under ‘Dream to Dance’.