RISING STARS DANCE PROGRAM

The Rising Stars dance program is just for girls in wheelchairs.  It is headed up by Leah Pepose, a physical therapist, and practices are held weekly at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, from October through May.  The assistants are girls in middle school and high school who volunteer their time to facilitate the girls' movements.  There is no charge for participation; the program is funded by a grant from the hospital. Each spring, the girls put on a show, choreographed to music relating to a particular theme.  Last year (2004) the theme was American Idol songs.  This year (2005) it was "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."  The performances were held onstage at the Summit Middle School.  There is wheelchair access to the building and onto the stage by the wings.

Victoria and Kathleen Cahill at dress rehearsal

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