Dance For The Li Family

It is time for the dance community to come together and support two young dancers, Selina & Alicia Li of Hudson, Ohio. Their father, Sinan, suffered severe head trauma which lead to his sudden and tragic passing on December 16, 2022. Sinan was one of the most supportive dance dads to his two daughters: attending every dance event and encouraging his girls to follow their dreams. Anyone who knows Selina (age 14) & Alicia (age 10) would tell you they are the kindest and most genuine girls. Sinan and Ying (the girls' mother) have been raising two incredible, smart, sweet children, and we are proud to have them at Center Stage.

The girls are truly talented and dedicated dancers but more importantly, they are the best teammates to every single student in our dance company. They have both been competing in dance for several years in all styles and train at the studio 4 days per week. They have big dreams in dance that we wish to help them see through. Selina is the hardest worker in every class she takes, she is always seeking to learn new information, and this year she also became a teaching assistant to our younger students. Selina cares about her friends and is always trying to make someone else's day better. Alicia's positive energy and spirit radiate from her daily. She is a friend to all, she is always willing to lend a helping hand, and she is purely excited to cheer on her team. She has the most bubbly personality and the best laugh.

After losing the pillar of their family, these girls should not have to lose one more thing in their lives. We know dance is such an important part of helping them through what will be the most difficult grieving process. It's a therapy to all and such an important part of Selina & Alicia's well-being.

As you know, competitive dance is very expensive. In the '21-'22 dance season alone, the Li Family paid over $23,000 for their girls to dance including group dances, Ballet Training Programs, private lessons, master classes, competition entry fees, convention workshop fees, dance costumes, shoes, and more, not to mention travel, food, hotels, and the many other costs associated with pursuing their passions at such a high level. With the family going down to a single-income household, we know it would be impossible for the girls to continue dancing the way they have always known without our help.

Our goal is simply this - we want to pay for both Selina & Alicia's dance educations through the rest of the years they wish to dance, as much as we possibly can. We know this is a large goal, and it's hard to know how much money we can really raise. But the dance community both near and far is tight-knit, and we hope to gain as much support as possible for this beautiful family.

Please share the Lis' story and gofundme with every dance family and dancer you know and help us afford to keep these girls pursuing their dance dreams. Every dollar raised will go directly to their dance education.

Thank You!

-Mitchel & Sherry Federan

Owners of Center Stage Dance Studio

Northfield, Ohio