Andrea Williamson

Hartselle Enquirer

A Hartselle Zumba instructor is partnering with Kroger Thurs., July 30, at the Hartselle Auxiliary Gymnasium to host Dance for a Future, an event to collect school supplies for students in need.

Rozi Hartley, who has taught Zumba at the Hartselle and Decatur Athletic Clubs for the past five years, first envisioned the event last August when she noticed the school supply drive in Kroger. Hartley said she often donates her time for charity and church events, and she decided at that moment to host a Zumba event the next year to collect school supplies for the drive.

“I’m a single mom of two daughters,” Hartley said. “Any help a parent can get is huge. I’ve been blessed so many times with good friends, and I want to help others any chance that I have.”

The event will be held from 6-8 p.m., and advance registration is not required. Kroger will be providing boxes of school supplies at the event, and each participant should bring $7, which is the cost of one box. According to Hartley, the class is open to participants of all ages and levels of experience.

“You do not need to have a background in dance to come to this class,” Hartley said. “The music makes you want to move. If you just let go, dance and have fun, everything will be perfect.”

However, while she encourages everyone to participate in the Zumba class, Hartley said she is mainly concerned about bringing the community together to help students in need.

“I am just so pumped,” she said. “I hope the community will come together and help. Even if they do not want to come dance, I hope they will donate to the cause. $7 can make such a difference.”

Hartley said she hopes to collect at least 100 boxes of school supplies and would like to make Dance for a Future an annual event.