Savage Strong: Savage Dance Company sponsors Lily’s Hope 5k

Savage Dance Company performed in the freezing weather before Lily’s Hope race at West Winds golf course on November 12.  A major sponsor of the event, the dance studio in Eldersburg, Maryland is owned by Greg and Nichole Savage. Lily Weaver, who has Ewing’s Sarcoma and is receiving rounds of chemotherapy, danced at Savage for one year before she had to stop because of her illness.

Weaver said, “My favorite thing about dancing at Savage is that everyone is treated like a family.” She believes Savage is a great place for people to learn not only to be a great dancers, but also how to be good people inside and out.

They have recreational classes and five competitive teams.  The company has won many competitive awards, including 2017 Northeast Upper Division Dance Champions.

Junior Brianna Archibald is a member of Savage’s competitive team and performed on Sunday. She said, “Being a part of the Savage dance family has been a great experience so far. Everyone I encounter is very encouraging. All of my teachers and fellow dancers have helped me improve not only as a dancer, but as a person as well.”

The teachers at Savage were very fond of Weaver and her dedication to dancing. They were impressed that even though she had limitations from issues with her arm, she continued to push herself in dance class.

When Greg and Nichole Savage learned that Lily had cancer again, they were heart-broken. They did not want to let it go unrecognized within their community of dancers. Savage became a sponsor for Lily’s Hope 5k.

In total, Savage Dance raised $1,180 for Weaver and her family. They had 34 dancers who registered for the race, and they performed before the event. They also donated a $500 to be a major sponsor.  Dancers and their parents ran and walked the challenging course through the neighborhood after their performance.

They performed nine dances, seamlessing transforming the parking lot pavement to an outdoor performance area. They dedicated a special dance for Weaver called “Unwritten.”

Maddy Small, a performer, said, “Dancing today was more rewarding than usual because we not only got to show our love for dance, but also our love for Lily.”