Thomas A. Stewart Dance Program Honours MacHart Family Through ‘Sweet Charity’ Fundraising Event

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The Thomas A. Stewart (TAS) auditorium was packed with a sold-out crowd Tuesday night as the school’s dance program hosted the ‘Sweet Charity’ fundraising event in support of the MacHart family.

The Thomas A. Stewart Dance Program. Photo by Michael Brown Photography.

After a 4-year hiatus, the TAS Dance Program was able to host their annual fundraising event in-person on Feb. 21.

“This year's event was extra special to us for a few reasons,” says TAS dance teacher Susie Clarke. “Due to the pandemic, we haven’t been able to host live performances, so filling a space with this many people and having them experience this as a collective, once again, has been so meaningful for all performers and audience members.”

The next reason, Clarke says, is getting to give back to the community.

“Traditionally, Sweet Charity funnels all proceeds to multiple local charities, as chosen by each participating dance organization. This year we collectively decided to channel all proceeds from the event to support the MacHart family,” she said.

Clarke says all participating organizations were in support of this, which TAS is “wholeheartedly grateful for.”

Riddick, Jon and Stefphanie MacHart were victims of a fatal accident on Hwy. 7 on the 22nd of November last year. Rowghan MacHart, the only survivor, was airlifted to SickKids hospital where she remains today.

The Machart family. gofundme photo.

Riddick MacHart had been a member of the dance program for the past five years, and sister Rowghan a grade nine Integrated arts student at the school. Stefphanie was an educational assistant at TAS.

“If anyone had the opportunity to see Riddick in his element, you would already know that he exuded passion, commitment and joy every time he stepped on to the stage,” said Clarke. “As you can imagine, this loss has been profound for not only the TAS dance community, but for our entire school. Furthermore, it is clear that the MacHart family had, and continues to have, a profound impact on our entire dance and arts community in Peterborough.”

In an update from MacHart family GoFundMe creator Tanya Hart on Feb. 16, she says that Rowghan is “making progress day by day” despite challenges due to her extensive internal injuries.

“Rowghan has proven time and time again that she will not let it stop her from progressing and moving forward,” the update reads.“We would like to thank TAS and all of the performers for always being such a huge support to the family.”

The event included 22 dance pieces, submitted and performed by twelve local dance organizations; Thomas A. Stewart Dance Program, Trent University Dance Team, Velocity School Of Dance, Lakefield College School Dance Company, 7 Attitudes School of Arts, Next Generation Dance Company, Revolutions Dance Studio, Imagine Studios, Premiere Studio of Dance, Jubilation Studios, Dance Nouveau and Baily Baptie School of Dance.

In total, there were 209 dancers who performed in front of the sold-out crowd. 

Clarke says that Rowghan and Riddick’s grandfather Jim was in attendance, as well as Riddick’s girlfriend, Brooke Conroy. Clarke says Conroy was an integral part of the production of the event, who worked alongside her to create something special and honour the MacHart family. 

“The night was magical. Although difficult and definitely pulled on our heart strings, it also showcased the joy that dance brings to us all,” recalls Clarke. “On the evening of Sweet Charity, we danced not only for our team, our audience, and ourselves, but to support and make a significant difference. The show was an example of the power of dance and the arts through collaboration, community, and resilience. We came together to support a family from our community; one that has had an impact on us all in some way.”

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TAS Dance Program Hosting Huge Community Event Thursday, 11 Local Dance Organizations Participating

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The TAS Dance Program is hosting a huge community charity event this Thursday evening (January 31st) at 7 p.m. in the TAS auditorium.

Eleven local dance studios, schools and organizations are coming together to perform. Each group chose a charity and they are donating all proceeds from the door between these charities.

Photo by Sara Connelly

The show includes more than 200 dance students from the community. Participating dance studios include…

-> A. Frost Dance Experience (Charity: Make A Wish Foundation)
-> Imagine Studios (Charity: Parkinson Canada)
-> Jubilation Studios (Charity: Alzheimer Society)
-> Kenner Dance Team (Charity: Teachers For Kids)
-> LCS Dance Company (Charity: Because I’m A Girl Campaign)
-> Move N’ Groove Dance Studio (Charity: Diabetes Association)
-> Peterborough PAC Dance Studio (Charity: Lakefield Animal Welfare Society)
-> Premiere Studio of Dance (Charity: Hospice Peterborough)
-> Revolutions Dance Studio (Charity: Sick Kids Hospital)
-> St. Peter’s Dance Team (Charity: Yes Shelter)
-> Thomas A. Stewart Dance Program (Charity: PRHC Mombassadors Campaign)

Tickets are $10 at the door for the show, which takes place in the TAS auditorium. 11 local dance organizations. 11 charities. 1 night.

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