Jefferson High School to host Dance Challenge fundraiser on Saturday

CEDAR RAPIDS — This Saturday, 350 dancers representing 30 schools and studios from around Iowa will compete in The Dance Challenge at the Jefferson High School gymnasium. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the competition begins at 8 a.m.

The Dance Challenge is a new business owned and operated by Jenny Thielman of Cedar Rapids. It is a traveling dance competition specifically partnering with schools trying to raise money for their teams. Thieman expects more than 1,000 people will be in attendance at Saturday's competition and the Jefferson Dance Team is projected to raise more than $2,000 for their program, one that has struggled with raising money in the past. Dancers on the Jefferson Dance Team often are asked to pay out of pocket for uniforms and other team fees.

A check presentation will take place during the awards ceremony on Saturday at the completion of the competition, at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The Dance Challenge also will be hosting competitions in Spencer, Fort Dodge and again in Cedar Rapids at the DoubleTree in February, supporting the Kirkwood Dance Team.