Dance It Forward initiative

We are proud to highlight Tippi Toes Cincinnati and their inspiring Dance It Forward initiative, an effort rooted in joy, generosity, and a passion for serving others.

Dance It Forward began as a simple, heartfelt idea between two Tippi Toes teachers who wanted to make a difference beyond the classroom. After wrapping up classes one evening, Izzy Strasser and Mary Wilkens found themselves talking about how meaningful it would be to bring the joy of dance to children in the community, completely free of charge. What started as a conversation quickly grew into an official impact initiative, fueled by a shared desire to serve and create joyful experiences for kids.

Since it began, Dance It Forward has provided free dance parties to children throughout the community, partnering with preschools and local nonprofits to create spaces where kids can smile, be silly, and simply enjoy being kids. One especially meaningful and ongoing partnership has been with the Healing Center, a ministry of Vineyard Cincinnati Church. The Healing Center offers a wide range of services that support the practical, social, spiritual, and emotional needs of individuals and families, and Dance It Forward has been honored to contribute by bringing dance into that mission.

Looking ahead, Dance It Forward is continuing to expand its reach and impact. A key goal for 2026 is to host a canned food drive at Tippi Toes recitals. This initiative will invite both enrolled families and community members to participate, creating an opportunity for connection and generosity while supporting those in need.
Today, Izzy Strasser leads Dance It Forward with a vision to continue growing these small but meaningful events, proving that even the simplest acts of joy can leave a lasting impact.