MCC dance company has heart in the right place
Ben Garcia
Attending community college is much different than attending a university.
One thing that makes the experience different is the sense of community and unity that can be felt mutually by faculty and students.
An example of the united atmosphere here at Mesa Community College is the MCC dance company’s new show.
Heartfelt, the upcoming dance show at MCC, is a performance that will be dedicated to former MCC and dance student, Mia Welch, who is currently on the donor list for a new heart.
In 2010, director of MCC’s dance company, Tina Rangel said one of her students started to complain about pain in the side of her chest.
The student, Mia Welch, thought she might have cracked a rib but after several weeks of continuous pain, Rangel suggested she seek medical attention.
The diagnosis revealed that Welch had congestive heart failure and, at 21 years old, the young dancer had to have surgery to remove her heart.
As a result of Welch’s diagnosis, Rangel decided that the MCC dance company would put on a show as a tribute for her former student.
“We wanted to do something for her to pick up her spirits and make her be happy and also to give her something to look forward to and to help out financially,” said Rangel.
The appropriately titled Heartfelt will begin March 22 with shows on the 23 and wrapping up on the 24.
With the heart being the theme of the show, viewers will enjoy dance numbers like “Listen to Your Heart,” “Change of Heart,” “Eat Your Heart Out,” and more.
Each show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Theatre Outback.
Ticket prices range from $9-13 and can be purchased by phone at 480-461-7172 or online at ezticketlive.com/mcc.
All proceeds will go to the Mia A. Welch donation fund and a silent auction will also be held during the performances.
Along with helping out a fellow student, Rangel wanted the show, Heartfelt, to also raise awareness for organ donations.
“You don’t usually think of someone that needs a organ as a healthy, active young 19-year-old,” said Rangel.
