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As Tyler Perkins, 16, and her mother, Olga, headed home from their ballroom dance class one frigid day last winter, Perkins noticed several homeless people on the side of the road. Their hardship tore at Tyler’s heart and led her to put a plan into action to help those in need.

Tyler and her mom came up with the idea to hold a dance showcase fundraiser for Greensboro Urban Ministry. They approached the owners of the Greensboro North Fred Astaire Dance Studio, where the Perkinses take classes, and they were enthusiastic about helping. The benefit, “A Dance for Hope,” raised $8,100 for Urban Ministry last year. The money was used to help feed the hungry through Potter’s House Community Kitchen and to help provide shelter through the Weaver House Shelter.

“We wanted to do something different, something that would help others in our community and display a local talent that many people are unaware exists here in Greensboro,” Tyler said.

Her passion for aiding others has not waned since organizing last year’s event, and Tyler and her mom, along with Christine Byrd, director of special events for Urban Ministry, are putting together the second “A Dance for Hope.” This time, they hope to raise at least $15,000. The event, from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Koury Convention Center, will feature seven instructors and professional dancers from Greensboro North Fred Astaire Dance Studio performing ballroom, Latin and swing dancing. Tickets are $25 each and are tax deductible.

“With the economy still suffering and the number of individuals requesting assistance continuing to be at some of the highest levels we have seen, the money will help to feed and provide shelter for the many people in need in our community,” Byrd said.

A ballroom dancer for three years, Tyler takes classes at the Fred Astaire Studio with her mom and sister.

“Ballroom dance has become so popular through programs such as ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ and it provides a positive activity that we can do together,” Tyler said. “We have grown to really love and appreciate ballroom dancing.”

Tyler has achieved intermediate bronze level and was able to compete in her first competition this past August.

“I really enjoy all of the different dances, but especially the smooth ones, which consist of the waltz, tango, foxtrot and Viennese waltz,” Tyler said. “It’s like therapy for me. Whenever I’ve had a bad day and I have a dance lesson, I can forget everything and just dance.”

Olga Perkins said she is proud of her daughter’s determination to organize this event again this year.
“It is her compassion for others that I feel has given her a passion for this event,” she aid. “This undertaking has been extremely time-consuming, and she has been more than willing to give the time needed to make this a success.”

A junior at Caldwell Academy, Tyler’s other interests include guitar (classical and acoustic), scrapbooking, spending time with family, animals, kayaking and reading. She works part-time at North Elm Animal Hospital and aspires to attend Elon University and then veterinary school at N.C. State.

Tyler believes putting together the dance fundraiser has been a great learning experience that not only aids others but has helped her as well.

“Helping organize this benefit has taught me many things, such as the importance of taking an idea and just doing it, organizational skills and boldness in being willing to ask and knowing the worst that can happen is that the answer will be a ‘no,’” she said. “I have gained experience in promoting an event, people skills in general, and I have increased my computer skills, which is something I enjoy.”

Dasha Chube, office manager and an instructor at the Greensboro North Fred Astaire Studio, also is excited about presenting the showcase. Other instructors who will perform include co-owners Sasha Tsyhankov and Alyosha Anatoliy, Oksana Barantsova, Gulya Asgarova, Artur Sveshnikov and Gregory Mishura.

“This will be a dance showcase of wonderful professional dancers, and there will be beautiful costumes — long gowns and sexy Latin dresses,” Chube said. “Most of us are not from America and remember what it was like to need help when we came here; therefore, if we can help those less fortunate with our dancing and give people joy, it’s a great opportunity.”

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer.brown @news-record.com