Lititz Academy of Dance explores talents. The academy's CoJoMotion Dance Company develops talents. "A Season for Wishes" provides an opportunity for talents to be combined for greater good.

"I hope (the student performers are) learning joy from helping others and taking their God-given talents and doing good for others," said Lisa Kalinowski, creative director for CoJoMotion Dance Company's "A Season for Wishes" show and owner of Lititz Academy of Dance. "I think most of us, and children, think they can't make a difference. But when you have so many hearts come together for good, miracles can happen. There are so many pieces, and everyone has their role. I can't believe it's been 20 years. That's a lot of miracles."

Lititz Academy of Dance's CoJoMotion Dance Company will present its 20th annual "A Season for Wishes" performance on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. at Lancaster Mennonite High School's High Fine Arts Center, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Tickets can be purchased online prior to the show by searching for "CoJoMotion Dance Company" on Facebook or at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and the Susquehanna Valley.

"We always say it is the most joyous kickoff to the holidays imaginable," said Kalinowski. "It's so celebratory. It's family, friendship and coming together. It's doing God's work in the best way possible."

The two-and-a-half-hour performance will feature a huge holiday dance extravaganza presented by 40 members of CoJoMotion Dance Company, fabulous sounds of the season, addresses from Make-A-Wish families and a separate fundraiser involving dozens of themed gift baskets.

"I love seeing our dancers and their joy and them performing for something so much bigger than themselves," said Kalinowski. "It means so much to them. It's beautiful to see kids have adult thinking. (The event) does so much for so many."

The CoJoMotion Dance Company is made up of dancers in grades five through 12 from the Warwick, Manheim Township, Manheim Central, and other area school districts, as well as Lancaster Country Day. Nearly 1,000 family members, friends, staff members and community members are expected to attend.

"(The student performers) have several performances throughout the year, but they will tell you this is the most important one," said Kalinowski. "It's not about them. This is for children who deserve it so much. It's so special. As their teacher, it means the world to me that that's their mindset. When they get to meet the Make-A-Wish families, it means so much to them. As their teacher, I'm so proud of them."

Last year, "A Season for Wishes" raised over $50,000 for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and the Susquehanna Valley, a new all-time high. That figure pushed the total amount raised in the event's 19 years to nearly $520,000.

"If we could (match that $50,000 amount), it would be incredible," said Kalinowski. "The money goes toward granting wishes for kids with life-threatening conditions. We are trying to raise as much money as possible. We want to make as many wishes come true as possible."

Located at 620 Paxton Place, Suite 107, Lititz, the Lititz Dance Academy was established in 2001 and offers classes in ballet, jazz, tap, modern pointe, hip-hop, lyrical and children's combo. CoJoMotion Dance Company was formed in 2004 to offer an opportunity for serious dancers to continue to enhance their skills.

"The purpose of Lititz Dance Academy is to share the gift of dance with as many children as possible, in as loving an atmosphere as possible," said Kalinowski. "CoJoMotion Dance Company gives students the dance company experience. This is our signature event. It's been a legacy for so many people."

For additional information about the Lititz Academy of Dance, go to http://www.lititzacademyofdance.com.