Lisa Kalinowski, founder of CoJoMotion Dance Company of the Lititz Academy of Dance and the organizer of "A Season for Wishes," is thrilled to be able to hold a live event this year. "What a blessing!" exclaimed Kalinowski. "This is always so joyous, and we are always so grateful for this opportunity." The 2020 event was held virtually at Penn Cinema. "After everything that has happened in our world since our last live performance in 2019, there is a whole huge extra layer of gratitude this year," noted Kalinowski.

More than 40 dancers will take part in the 17th annual "A Season for Wishes" presentation, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. at Lancaster Mennonite High School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Doors will open at 5 p.m. This traditional holiday show benefits Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley.

Along with a variety of musical numbers performed by members of the CoJoMotion Dance Company, the show will feature local singers and instrumentalists. Prizes, giveaways, and opportunities to donate will be part of the event.

Styles for the 26 numbers will range from tap, jazz, and ballet to modern, lyrical, and musical theater. Kalinowski was able to bring back Rockette-style pieces, which were not possible last year, for songs such as "Jingle Bell Rock," "Cool Yule," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." Pieces inspired by "The Nutcracker" will include "Waltz of the Flowers" and "Arabian Dance." Lyrical pieces will be set to hymns such as "O Holy Night" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," and fun dances will be performed to well-known tunes of the season, such as "Santa Baby," "My Only Wish (This Year)," and music from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Past shows have raised more than $30,000. "Cumulatively, over the past 16 years, we've raised over $380,000," said Kalinowski, who is hoping to reach a milestone with this show, noting that "$400,000 would be pretty wonderful."

Tickets may be purchased by emailing Cojo_Wishes@LititzAcademyofDance.com. More information may be found by searching Facebook for "CoJoMotion Dance Company" or "Lititz Academy of Dance."