Dance is self-expression, artistic interpretation, rhythmic movement and great exercise. The way it turns out, dance also has the ability to grant wishes.

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, the Lititz Academy of Dance's CoJoMotion Dance Company will conduct its annual benefit extravaganza, A Season for Wishes. All proceeds from the three-hour performance will go to the Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"Dance is the most beautiful art," said Lisa Kalinowski, artistic director of the peformance and owner of the Lititz Academy of Dance. "There's something special about being a dancer because it combines art and athleticism. There are so many incredible life lessons that come from the art of dance - grace, coordination, rhythm. To be a dancer demands that you learn respect, respect for the art, respect for your fellow dancers, respect for your teachers. You also have to be very organized."

"With this show, we're trying to add to that," continued Kalinowski, "and use art to benefit others, to make a difference."

Set to the songs of the holidays, A Season for Wishes is a Radio City Rockettes-inspired show that implements elements of the ballet, music theater, jazz and hip-hop genres. Between the dance numbers, members of families that have been aided by Make-A-Wish will speak to the audience.

"This event means so, so, so much to the dancers," said Kalinowski. "Dancers love to dance, love to work, love to perform. What makes this performance stand out is that we're all dancing for something so much bigger than ourselves. They're learning these life lessons and caring for each other. It's a good show, it really is."

The CoJoMotion Dance Company is made up of 39 girls in fourth to 12th grades from the Warwick, Manheim Township and Manheim Central school districts, as well as Lancaster Country Day School. They have been practicing for the show on every Saturday since September, with some rehearsals lasting up to five hours.

"They're my dance daughters," said Kalinowski. "They're incredible people. The hearts they have are indicative of much older people."

Last year, CoJoMotion Dance Company's holiday performance raised $40,000 for the Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley Make-A-Wish Foundation. A similar total from this season's 19th overall performance would push the dance company's total contribution to Make-A-Wish past the $500,000 mark.

"We're hoping this is the year it crosses the $500,000 mark," said Kalinowski. "We talk about this a lot. We want our kids to understand that we're doing God's work. When all these people come together and each one does their part, miracles can happen. Everyone's working for the same common good. Our students are so much of a family, at this time of year in particular."

With the money that CoJoMotion has raised over the years, over 50 children and their families have been helped by Make-A-Wish.

"We know what this amazing organization does," said Kalinowski. "They completely transform lives out of nowhere. Our students have met some of the Make-A-Wish kids over the years. We want to fill every section in the auditorium and bring in as much money as possible for this wonderful organization. It's the most amazing kickoff to the holidays imaginable."

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://bit.ly/3uzQwn3.