Shaina Grossman found the perfect way to combine two of her favorite things, dance and her little brother.
The result is a dance show she is producing called Piece by Piece, benefiting Beard Elementary School, a Chicago Public School for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Shaina came up with the idea with her mom last August but began planning the event in January. “I hope to raise money for the Beard School and to help maybe make a new playground or sensory room at the school,” Shaina says.
Shaina, a dancer herself, is a company member of the Hyde Park School of Dance where she takes tap, modern dance and ballet. The artistic director of the school, August Tye, is mentoring and helping Shaina with the show.
Artists schedule to perform include AER Dance Theater, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Gus Giordano Dance School, Hyde Park School of Dance, Joel Hall Dancers Youth Ensemble, Joffrey Ballet Youth Company, Paul Sanasardo Dancers, Stick and Move Youth Crew and Tyego Dance Project.
The dance show is set for 3 p.m., July 19, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago, which donated its 474-seat stage along with students and staff to help. Tickets can be purchased from the Logan Center box office, online at tickets.uchicago.edu, or over the phone at (773) 702-ARTS. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for 12 and under and $75 for premium seating. Tickets are available the day of the event as well.
Shaina says growing up with a brother who has autism has been mostly normal for her. “I just like playing with him, like biking, swimming, climbing and scootering,” she says.
