Could dancing be the perfect way to bridge the generation gap? It just might be, the way Kathy DeMaira tells it.
“Dancing together is key,” asserted DeMaira, who with husband Joe runs DeMaira Dance Studios in Oak Park. “Each generation has something to learn as well as something to share with each other.”
And what better timing, with Celebrating Seniors Week 2026 ready to launch in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.
This year, the proceeds from the DeMairas’ annual Dance Exhibition went to the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults in the three communities. The March 1 event at Dominican University raised $5,000.
The exhibitions have supported a variety of organizations with a direct connection to the dance studio community or a recognized need within the broader area. But this year’s beneficiary has a deeper personal meaning for Kathy DeMaira, who lost her father, Robert Teubert, last August.
“Their focus on supporting seniors and fostering connection across generations felt like a perfect fit,” she said. “It also felt like a meaningful way to honor my dad. We hope our contribution helps seniors in need and reminds them they are valued and not alone.”
DeMaira, who holds a performing arts degree and has taught dancing since high school, said her parents always supported her dance efforts.
“My father was an engineer, but he was also an artist and a lover of music,” she said. “He used to DJ at the school he worked at. I have fond memories of being allowed to attend the ’50s and ’60s dance he put on and watched him dance the jitterbug with my mother. My mother was also a dancer and an ice skater. My parents were also heavily involved in fundraising for their school and church, chairing and running events. I believe this influenced me to start an event that would help others.”
The studio’s outreach to seniors extends from performances at local retirement homes right into the classroom. Since founding their studio in 2007, the DeMairas have earned a reputation for training dancers of all ages and skill levels. They offer classes in many dance styles, including hip hop, tap, ballet, pointe and jazz, for beginners through advanced dancers, from age 3 through adult.
“The teen and adult classes are mixed, and dancers of varying ages come together,” DeMaira explained. “My oldest student just celebrated her 88th birthday. … We will continue to offer mixed classes for teens and adults this summer and in the fall. I plan to offer a new class for beginning tap dancers, which I believe will appeal to seniors.”
The Dance Exhibition dates back to 2010, when a fire ravaged the Stairway to the Stars dance studio, which had operated for more than 30 years in a historic former bank building in Maywood. Local studios came together for a fundraising showcase to support recovery efforts. Likewise, the community rallied around small businesses like the DeMairas’ studio during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were supported during a difficult time,” DeMaira said. “Now we’re grateful to be in a position to support others.”
The Dance Exhibition has since grown to include dance schools from across the region, and even internationally. This year’s show featured the Dance Center of LaGrange; Norridge Park District School of Dance; Jo’s Footwork Studio in Western Springs; ABC Dance Academy, Dynamic Force, Intricate Dance Chicago and Volta Performing Arts, all in Chicago; and Cea De Leon from Leon, Mexico.
“The atmosphere is electric — fun, inspiring and full of encouragement,” DeMaira said. “You see dancers cheering each other on, and that camaraderie is powerful.”
Previous exhibitions have supported such organizations as Beyond Hunger, Hephzibah Children’s Association, Opportunity Knocks, Timothy’s Ministry and the Oak Park Animal League. “Dance is about expression and connection,” DeMaira said. “When you combine that with service, it teaches dancers that their talents can truly make a difference.”
In addition to charitable giving, the event supports dancers directly through scholarships. Participating instructors nominate students to receive financial assistance toward continued training.
Looking ahead, the DeMairas said they’d like to expand the Dance Exhibition to multiple times a year and bring it to new communities.
“If our partnership inspires even one more person or business to get involved, that would mean everything,” Kathy DeMaira said. “We will keep offering programming that will allow dancers to explore different styles of dance, provide performance opportunities, cultivate new friendships and grow.”
More information is at https://www.demaira-dance.com/.
Celebrating Seniors Week 2026 returns
A weeklong celebration of connection, wellness and lifetime contribution returns May 7-14 during Celebrating Seniors Week, offering a mix of educational, social and intergenerational events throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.
Organized by the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, the annual initiative aligns with Older Americans Month 2026, whose national theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults and communities alike to prioritize physical, mental and social well-being.
“This is not just a seniors’ event—it’s a community event,” said Dr. Jim Flanagan, Celebrating Seniors founder. “Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member or simply someone who values connection, there is something here for you.”
This year’s lineup of more than 35 events offers programming designed not only for older adults, but for residents of all ages. Most of the events are free and open to the public. The lineup includes health and wellness workshops, financial and life planning seminars, technology and digital literacy sessions, live music, storytelling, community meals and social events.
Scheduled events include:
Oak Park Mural Tour — Thursday, May 7, 11 a.m. to noon, Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St.
Improv Workshop for Older Adults – Friday, May 8, 2 p.m., River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave., led by Emily Ramirez, comedian and founder of BABS Comedy Club.
Lifetime Achievement Award Intergenerational Dinner — Saturday, May 9, 5 p.m., Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.
Senior Breakfast with the Fire Department and Friends — Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Sunrise Senior Living, 800 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest, offering safety tips for medical and everyday situations.
Pickleball Event: Learn, Play, Compete — Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Memorial Parkway Bocce Courts, 7520 Lake St., River Forest.
Founded in 2010, the Celebrating Seniors Coalition is dedicated to honoring, recognizing and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.
A full event schedule and more information is at https://celebratingseniors.net/events/.
Jim Dudlicek is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
