Piled into the RHS dance room, the shoes of dancers squeak against the floor as they rehearse for their upcoming performance. Every year during the fall, the RHS dance program hosts their annual Kermés fundraiser.
The dance class works to collect donations from the community, due to being responsible for their own funding
“The purpose is to raise money for our program, but also celebrate our diverse backgrounds in the dance program,” said Liz White, dance teacher.
With so many of the dancers representing the Hispanic community there was ample support for the event, which has been a yearly tradition for the past 7 years.
“2017, I think that was the first year that we did [Kermés].” I had a group of students who had done different events to earn money for family members or community members, and they thought it would be a great idea to try to do it at the high school,” White said.
With the help of the community, the dance program receives the support they need to achieve their monetary goals for the program. Together the team works hard to organize and set up for the occasion. The excitement they feel every year is unmatched.
“I think probably selling the food and just seeing how much we can raise with all the people that come together,” Lizbeth Salas Hernandez, 12.
Although the day is meant to be a fun event for friends and family, there’s still heavy concerns for how well the fundraiser will turn out. Despite the immense support every year, there is often a fear of not raising enough funds.
“My concern going in is just that we’re not going to make enough money,” White said.
Aside from the worries about the Kermes, the performers are very excited to show everyone their hard work and dedication.
She is most excited about dancing and seeing everyone perform, said Ashley Hernandez, 10.
“Not only do we get to share our culture with the community, but we also are able to invite the community to experience that culture with us and make the campus a little bit more welcoming,” White said.
