On April 9, Ciara, 39, and her longtime choreographer Jamaica Craft attended the finale of the Dance Icon competition in partnership with Colossal in Phoenix, Ariz. to surprise the eight finalists at their group rehearsal.
The singer congratulated the winner, Lexington Suttle, in person and presented her with her prize. The “1, 2 Step” singer and husband Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation teamed up with Colossal to raise over $2.5 million.
“Winning this competition means everything. It’s proof that you can come from anywhere to make it— as long as you have your why,” Suttle, who had been dancing for 16 years, said of her win, per a press release. The finalists performed elaborate routines inspired by Ciara’s songs, each demonstrating versatility, creativity, and drive.
Suttle’s prize is $20K along with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear in one of Ciara’s upcoming music videos. Over 100,000 dancers participated in this effort that ultimately supports communities in need.
“Dance plays a significant role in my identity as an artist,” Ciara exclusively tells PEOPLE. “I strongly connect with the power of dance and how it can inspire so many, offering a creative outlet for self-expression.”
The “Body Party” singer also says “music inspires how I move,” adding, “It’s a form of expression for me, where I get to have a lot of fun and be my true creative self. Dancers are more than just performers; they are artists in their own right and add value to the space.”
“I couldn’t do my shows at the level I do without them, so I love chances like these to celebrate dance,” she adds, expressing her excitement about Colossal and the Why Not You Foundation’s work.
“Collaborating with Colossal to support the Why Not You Foundation has been such a fun way to engage the global dance community and create meaningful impact through the power of dance. When the world dances together, amazing things happen,” the Grammy winner says.
Ciara concludes: “I think really amazing things happen when the world starts to dance, and this competition is a testament to the love for the power of dance but also for the power of impact.”
Colossal is a “nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need.” The Why Not You Foundation was launched in 2014 and is dedicated to fighting poverty with education, empowering those involved with a driven “why not you?” attitude.
The money raised from the dance competition will “support the Foundation’s mission to empower youth across the country through education access, children’s health initiatives, and girl empowerment initiatives,” per a press release.
SOURCE: people.com