Dancing With Hope. Giving With Purpose.

Every year, our dance community comes together to celebrate hope, honor loved ones, and support organizations making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer through our Dancers Against Cancer fundraiser.

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A Legacy of Love & Giving Back

A woman in a graduation cap and gown smiling with a man in a gray blazer and patterned tie, outdoors with trees in the background.

Dancers Against Cancer was created from a deeply personal place.

After opening Martelle Dance Academy, Kate Martelle's father passed away following an 18-year battle with a rare form of cancer. Throughout his journey, the care and compassion provided by Wilmot Cancer Center and later the Hart Comfort House brought comfort, hope, and support to both him and their family.

Witnessing the incredible advances in cancer treatment over those 18 years, and experiencing firsthand the compassion shown during some of life's most difficult moments, left a lasting impact.

Dancers Against Cancer was created to honor that journey and give back to the organizations that gave so much to Kate's family. Through dance, our community has the opportunity to celebrate hope, remember loved ones, and support families facing similar challenges today.

Colorful ribbons surrounding text that reads "Dancers Against Cancer" with a small graphic of a dancer and the text "Martelle Dance Academy" underneath.

When Dance Makes a Difference

This annual showcase is more than a dance performance, it's an opportunity for our dancers, families, and community to come together for a cause that touches so many lives. Every performance is dedicated to celebrating courage, honoring loved ones, and reminding those currently fighting cancer that they are never alone.

Pink heart-shaped icon

Honoring Loved Ones

We dance in memory of those we've lost and in celebration of the lives that continue to inspire us.

Purple ribbon cancer symbol with a loop at the top and two tails at the bottom, representing awareness or support for a cause.

Supporting Our Community

Proceeds from the showcase benefit organizations that provide compassionate care, comfort, and hope to individuals and families facing cancer.

Illustration of pink hands forming a heart shape around a pink heart symbol.

Dancing for a Difference

Every ticket purchased, performance shared, and donation made helps continue the mission of supporting local families and advancing cancer care.

Three women standing inside a kitchen, smiling and holding a poster for a fundraiser event. The poster is for Dancers Against Cancer, scheduled for February 1st at 2 pm at Wellsville High School Auditorium.
Two women standing in front of a wooden wall with a sign that reads 'James P. Wilmot Cancer Center'. They are holding a large donation check made out to the Wilmot Cancer Institute for $1700, dated February 17, 2025.
Four people, three females and one male, sit on a stage with a black curtain backdrop. They are holding signs and a photo in a memorial setting.
Group of young girls wearing matching blue T-shirts posing for a photo indoors, smiling and sitting on the floor.
Group of people on stage during a performance or presentation, all wearing turquoise t-shirts with a heart design.
Children and adults performing a dance on stage with black curtains, wearing colorful shirts and black pants.
Five young girls standing barefoot against a beige wall, wearing matching purple T-shirts with a colorful ribbon design and 'Dancers Against Cancer' written on the front.

Giving Back Where it Matters Most

Dance can do more than inspire, it can make a difference. Through dance benefits and the generosity of our studio community, MDA has turned a love of movement into meaningful support for causes close to our hearts. We’ve been able to support the Hart Comfort House

Large group of children and adult women sitting and kneeling on a wooden stage in front of black curtains, smiling and posing for a group photo during the Dancers Against Cancer benefit dance.

The Impact

$6,000+

RAISED THROUGH DANCE

3 ORGANIZATIONS

SUPPORTED 

Hart Comfort House | Wilmot Cancer Center |
Allegany County Cancer Services

2 DANCE

BENEFITS

HELD TO DATE

Be Part of Something Special

Whether you're performing, attending, volunteering, or supporting from afar, every act of kindness helps make a difference.

Together, we can celebrate hope, honor loved ones, and continue bringing our community together through the power of dance. We accept donations in the weeks leading up to the event. Check back for details, or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest!