The Pink Fund, Fred Astaire Dance Studio Partner Up For 'Dancing With the Survivors'

Like many, Evan Mountain of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Bloomfield Township has had his personal life touched by breast cancer. So when an opportunity arose to use dance as part of the healing process for survivors, getting involved was a no-brainer.

Dancing with the Survivors, a pilot program geared toward giving breast cancer survivors and those in treatment the opportunity to reconnect with a spouse or partner while helping them feel good, active and attractive, kicked off this week.

As many as 64 participants, including survivors and their partners, commit to four-week group lessons for $48 per person, with part of the proceeds going to the Bloomfield Hills-based The Pink Fund. Participants will learn the Rumba, Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing and Hustle, just to name a few.

“This is an opportunity for women to feel good about themselves and connect with their partners,” said Mountain, whose mother died of cancer and mother in-law is a beast cancer survivor. “Dance is a great path toward enhanced confidence and connection for anyone – and all the moreso for survivors seeking to start their lives cancer-free, facing a healthy future.”

Dozens participated in the first round of lessons last week, in what organizers hope will be a proving ground for what will eventually become a nationwide effort. The extended effort is the first between the studio and The Pink Fund, and will culminate in a fall fundraising opportunity featuring national dance experts who are also breast cancer survivors. 

Dance to Heal

A 2005 study at two Connecticut cancer centers and publicized by the National Institutes of Health showed that participation in a dance-and-movement program dramatically improved body image and quality of life for breast cancer survivors, a news release stated. More recent studies published this year said that breast cancer survivors could benefit greatly from regular physical activity, and a strong association between physical activity and reduced mortality, extended survival and higher quality of life.

Many women feel self-conscious after losing one or both breasts and after the intense onslaught of treatment regimens, and they also feel some hesitation about resuming intimacy after treatment, says breast cancer survivor and The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald. Dancing can eliminate that fear and inspire fun reconnection easily and quickly.

“In everything we do, The Pink Fund seeks to improve survivorship outcomes," MacDonald said. "We love this affiliation with Fred Astaire Dance Studio because it allows survivors to forget about cancer.”

The Pink Fund, founded by MacDonald in 2006, provides individuals in active treatment with up to 90 days of direct financial assistance to cover non-medical expenses, including health insurance premiums, housing, transportation and utilities.

An added benefit of the class may be reclaimed intimacy with their partner, too, MacDonald said, as many women have body issues after cancer that can affect intimacy.

"Stepping onto the dance floor is a great first step to regaining intimacy without the pressure of sex, while creating a feeling of being sexy," she said.

The partnership is the first between the business and organization, and if the program works well there are plans to spread it nationally to all 150 Fred Astaire Dance Studios around the country, Mountain said.

"I always feel if I can use my studio's dancing teaching skills & talents to help the community then I'm all in!" he said.

Visit the studio's website to find out more or to register for an upcoming class.