If Elle's family (including her two cats) was the most important thing in her life, then dance was a very close second. For almost four years Elle was a student at the Steppin' Out Dance Centre in Saco. Every year they have a summer recital at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Their 2011 recital is this Saturday, and we have some exciting announcements to make.
First is the award. During Elle's battle with cancer, she won an award at her last two recitals, respectfully called
The Heart of Dance and
The Spirit of Dance. The school has decided to make
The Heart of Dance award a permanent fixture, renaming it the
Eleanor Clare Paye "Heart of Dance" award. It will go to a student each year who battles through great adversity and still continues to dance, just like Elle did.
Second, we are happy to announce the first charitable action by Power of Elle. Starting this year, the Steppin' Out Dance Centre will be awarding the Bright Light Scholarship. Funded by Power of Elle, it is an annual $500 scholarship that can be applied for by any Steppin' Out student pursuing higher education in the fall.
Lastly, at the recital this Saturday the school will be giving out white flowers and gold ribbon pins. People attending the recital and taking the flowers and/or pins will be able to make a donation. All monies received this way will be donated to the Fund by the Steppin' Out Dance Centre.
Steppin' Out was a huge part of Elle's life and they are near and dear to us, a feeling that is mutual. We are pleased we could do the scholarship for them and that they are doing the award and donation collection for us.