CHARITY SHOW ON MAY 23rd - BROTHERLY LOVE

ALL!I'll be doing a CHARITY SHOW for one of our friends here in Shanghai... You're support is always welcome! Do come and watch if you're in town:BROTHERLY LOVEJAZZ FUNK Benefit Performance for Domonic and Andrew

We`d like to tell you a moving story about one of our favorite dance teachers, Andrew and his brother Domonic.

First of all let’s briefly explain Andrew’s younger brother Domonic’s situation.Domonic broke his neck and was left unable to walk after a terrible fall from a hotel walkway in Thailand. The fall severely injured his spinal cord. He spent 2 weeks in intensive care, 3 months in hospital in Thailand, then 6 months in Southport Spinal Injuries rehabilitation unit. Domonic who has always been a huge sports fan was studying for a sports degree at Edge Hill

University at the time of his accident. His whole family wants to give Domonic the best chance possible of further recovery and he is working intensively to regain movement below his chest with treatments, including physiotherapy and acupuncture. He is determined to overcome the challenges he is now facing and is showing some signs of improvement.

After hearing about his brother’s tragic accident, Andrew decisively resigned from several big musical productions in Germany where he was a key performer. Because of his passion for dance and his hard work, Andrew was recognized in the performance circle and recruited by several famous dance companies and schools in Europe. He was a rising star in his prime years when he made this professional and personal sacrifice to come to Shanghai and care for his brother. Without hesitation and with a positive attitude and belief he made this difficult decision. He said, “I pursued my dream and love of dancing, and left my family for 7 years to do that. I have not really had the chance to take care of them in close proximity, and now that they need me, I should be there for my part of the responsibilities and triumph over this hardship with them.” With his love for dancing, he looked up our studio within a week of his arrival in Shanghai and asked to teach at night. He easily passed the audition and begun his busy schedule: he takes his brother to two hospitals for treatment during the day, rushes to the JAZZ du FUNK studio to teach in the evenings. To earn extra money for more treatments, he also performs commercially often. Even though he is usually exhausted at the end of the day, his passion to dance is stoked by the time he arrives at the studio. Every student who has taken his class is instantly affected by his genuine enthusiasm for teaching and moved by his heart felt passion.

No one knows when Domonic can walk again, however treatment has to continue. Besides the physical exhaustion, the most difficult problem facing Andrew and Domonic is the economic one. The cost of treatments far exceeds Andrew and his family’s income.

A few weeks ago, Andrew returned to his hometown Blackpool, UK, , for 10 days of fund-raising performances in Domonic’s honor at the Phil Winston’s Theatre Works College, where he trained previously.

All the teachers and staff at JAZZ du FUNK, hope to do a similar event to honor and help out this wonderful dancer and caring friend.All the money we raise will go towards Domonic’s future treatment in the UK and possible return to Shanghai for a new round of treatments.

We`d like to thank you for your interest and support and hope to see you at the benefit!