WCU’s Dept. of Theatre and Dance to Host Fifth Annual Dance for HER Benefit Concert
Event Supports Local Non-Profit Unite for HER During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets underway, West Chester University’s University Dance Company and the WCU Dance Team will bring together hundreds of dancers, families and community members for the fifth annual Dance for HER benefit concert on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High St., West Chester. The event is presented in collaboration with dance studios from across the region and benefits Unite for HER, a local nonprofit that provides education, integrative therapies, wellness resources and support to individuals affected by breast and ovarian cancers. Tickets available at: https://wcupatix.com/org-events
Founded in 2022, Dance for HER brings together the West Chester University and local dance communities to use the power of dance to raise awareness and funds in support of people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Since its inaugural event, the fundraiser has raised more than $75,000 for Unite for HER.
The annual showcase features dancers from studios in Chester County performing original works, along with performances by the West Chester University Dance Company and West Chester University Dance Team.
The 2026 event continues a tradition that has grown into a powerful celebration of dance, community and service. Participating studios will recognize people they are “dancing for,” honoring loved ones and members of their communities who have been affected by breast or ovarian cancer.
This year, the event will also feature a Dance for HER Tribute Board, offering everyone attending the opportunity to honor someone special. Guests are invited to bring a photograph, note or other small memento representing someone they are honoring, and the items will be displayed on the tribute board throughout the event. The board will serve as a visual reminder of the many individuals and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and the people whose stories inspire the Dance for HER community.
Dance for HER was honored with Unite for HER’s 2025–26 Student Service Award, recognizing the event’s commitment to service and community. The award celebrates Dance for HER’s ongoing efforts to bring the dance community together in support of Unite for HER’s mission.
“Dance for HER has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined when we started it,” said Gretchen Studlien-Webb, who leads the University Dance Company.
“It is incredibly meaningful to see dancers, teachers, families and the WCU community come together each year to use dance as a way to support people whose lives have been affected by breast and ovarian cancer.”
The event also provides participating dancers and studios with an opportunity to fundraise individually or as a group in advance of the concert.
Unite for HER was founded in 2009 by West Chester University alumna and former WCU dancer Sue Weldon. The organization supports breast and ovarian cancer patients nationwide through integrative therapies, educational resources and other services designed to improve quality of life during treatment and beyond. Unite for HER currently supports more than 10,500 patients each year.
How to Support Dance for HER:
Purchase tickets: https://wcupatix.com/org-events
Donate to Dance for HER: https://uniteforher.salsalabs.org/danceforher2026/index.html