A Nonprofit Organization For Underprivileged Dancers in our Community

The Sean T. Riedel Memorial Fund and Dancers’ Edge Performing Art School Dance Scholarships Program is granting dance scholarships to underprivileged and special needs children in our community. Dancers’ Edge is owned and operated by Sean’s mother, Jana Filling, the Artist Director of Dancers’ Edge Performing Art School in Millersville, PA.

Full and partial scholarships have already been granted to a number of children in the community.

Full scholarships have been granted to Amanda and Rachel Gonzalez, ages 9 and 13, from Cuba. They danced in Cuba with the Lizt Alfonso Dance Company for two years and moved to America one year ago with their father and mother. After they moved here, their father lost his job as a carpenter. He is still searching for work. Their dreams of dancing in America were dashed until their principal, Paula Wilson, a yoga student at Dancers’ Edge, brought them to Jana’s attention. Jana immediately accepted them into the Dance Scholarship Program. At Dancers’ Edge, Amanda and Rachel are flourishing. They’re keeping their homeland Cuban style dances alive by choreographing and performing their dances at Dancers’ Edge performance events. They will be teaching their style to other Dancers’ Edge students.

Full scholarships have also been granted to Julia Distler, age 11, from Brazil. She is living in America with her guardian grandparents, the Rev. Ron Distler and his wife Betty, who where missionaries in Brazil for 48 years. They have since retired in Lancaster County. Julia took ballet in Brazil for two years with Pro Danca Crianca Escola Company. After her first class at Dancers’ Edge, she told her grandfather she loved it there and wants to dance her entire life. Julia had health problems four years ago and had to undergo a very delicate operation. She is now totally recovered.

The fund has also granted partial dance scholarships to 8 other students.

Sean T. Riedel had a great passion for the care of the mentally challenged. He was an honored and beloved Mental Health Care Adviser at Homefields on Letort Rd. for over 15 years.

Jana Filling and Marian West are developing special needs dance movement therapy classes for young physical and mentally challenged individuals.

Marian West is a former Dancers’ Edge student. She graduated from Desales University and the Isadora Duncan Foundation with dance degrees and also specializes in movement and massage therapy.

Scholarship students will perform at Dancers’ Edge performance events.

Jana is searching our community for more underprivileged children interested in dance.

All the children need is a real desire and commitment to dance and transportation to the dance school.

Dancers’ Edge Boutique and the Memorial Fund will supply the children with classes, dance apparel and shoes.

Contributions to the fund will be used to better the health, self-esteem and creativity of children in the community through dance.

Send your contributions to:

Sean T. Riedel Memorial Fund

Fulton Bank

305 Highland Drive

Mountville, PA 17554

Or:

Dancers’ Edge

232 Manor Avenue

Millersville, Pa 17551

Jana Filling

285-4982

Cell 341-3918