Continuing success through community support.

During the weekend the Dancing Blues will be hosting two annual fundraising events. Beginning Feb. 16, the Dancing Blues will perform during halftime of the men’s varsity basketball game along with kids from their annual Dancing Blues Kids Clinic. From 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 will be Bowling for Blues at Gage Bowl. Both of these events will be to raise money for the team’s participation in the Universal Dance Association summer camp and National Dance Competition, where they are four-time national champions.

“Each year the Dancing Blues has to raise about $10,000 above our budget to fund going to camp and nationals,” said Dancing Blues coach Angie Price. “The girls work so hard to raise the money throughout the year and these events are a couple of the major ways we do that.”

Participation fees from the Kids Clinic and ticket sales from Bowling for Blues go toward supporting the team’s fundraising efforts. For the past two years, use of Gage Bowl has been donations from Bill Gahnstrom, Washburn adjunct and supporter of the Dancing Blues.

“Bowling for Blues is an event where we invite anyone from the Topeka community for an afternoon of bowling with the Dancing Blues,” said senior Dancing Blues captain Abby Price. “Each ticket includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental and lunch. There is also a silent auction and a prize wheel. Last year was a huge success and we hope to see that again this year.”

The Dancing Blues Kids Clinic is a chance for Topeka area kindergarten through sixth graders to learn a routine from the Dancing Blues and perform at half time for a varsity game. It is also a great opportunity for kids to see what it’s like to be a Dancing Blue and possibly consider being one. 

“The Kids Clinic is one of my favorite things the Dancing Blues is a part of because I’m an elementary education major and I’m really in my element,” said sophomore Kayla Hutzell. “I love working with the little kids, and they think it’s so cool to be hanging out with us. They get so excited to be dancing at halftime, and that makes us excited too.”

The Dancing Blues are grateful for everything the community does to support them from attending games to getting involved with their fundraising events.

“They always have kind words and [they] love watching us dance,” Abby said. “Without the help of the community we wouldn’t be able to attend nationals every year or get recognition that many college dance teams don’t, and we are so grateful for their support.”

To support the Dancing Blues this weekend, attend the game at 3 p.m. Feb. 16 in Lee Arena. For tickets to Bowling for Blues, get in touch with any of the Dancing Blues or coach Angie Price. Tickets cost $25 for adults 18 and older, and $15 for Washburn students or attendees 17 years old and younger.