Tip Tap Toe dancers perform in a holiday recital for Northgate Christian Fellowship on Dec. 15. All proceeds went to the Sacramento Children’s Receiving Center. (Photo by Nicole Core)

Lots of people get into the giving mood during the holiday season. For Benicia dance studio Tip Tap Toe, this is an easy task because being charitable is one of the group’s year-round traits.

The East 2nd Street dance center provides lessons for children of all ages from 2 1/2 to 18 in areas such as ballet, tap and jazz and even provides workshops and drama courses.

However, another big facet of the studio is its sense of philanthropy. Performers danced at the Relay for Life this summer, had a canned food drive during Thanksgiving, donated clothes during International Dance Week and sponsored four foster children.

“We are really big on giving back,” owner Nicole Core said. “It’s sending a bigger message than just learning dance moves. (They’re) coming in and leaving a better person than when they walked in the door.”

A recent example of Tip Tap Toe’s charitable nature is when their youngest dancers— i.e., those ages 2 to 5— performed a holiday recital set to Christmas music at Northgate Christian Fellowship’s auditorium last week. Some of the older dancers in competitions also had a chance to perform, and the proceeds were donated to the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, which supports children and families who have been victims of abuse and neglect.

Additionally, the studio has been collecting coats and pajamas for Vallejo nonprofit Faith Food Fridays. Today, Core said the studio will be delivering the donations to the nonprofit for a special holiday celebration, featuring food, gift giving and even an appearance from Old Saint Nicholas himself.

Core believes the two events highlight what Tip Tap Toe is all about and hopes the dancers are gaining more skills than just in dance.

“You can do things that you love such as dance and celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones while giving back especially for someone who’s not as fortunate,” she said.

Throughout it all, Core said families have been very encouraging.

“We are lucky to live in a community that is so supportive of kids and supporting them at what they love to do,” she said.

Sharing is caring!