ST. GEORGE – The thirteen members of Kalamity have dedicated the last four years to doing something they love and doing it for good: A variety of charitable causes in the community.
What is Kalamity?
A youthful and energetic hip hop dance crew, Kalamity is the brainchild of Tia Stokes, founder of The Vault Dance Studio in St. George. Upon moving to Utah from California in 2007, Stokes observed a lack of dance activities for adults in the area and decided to form her own. Interest grew quickly and Kalamity soon had over a dozen members, mostly college-aged men and women.
It was all just a hobby for Stokes until the following year, when one of her dancers, Tiffany Scholl, discovered she had cancer. In support, Stokes began to organize the group’s first-ever public performance, a concert benefiting Scholl and her family. The unfortunate diagnosis also inspired the crew’s name.
“I decided that was what this group was made for: To help people who are going through ‘Kalamities’ in their lives,” Stokes said.
That performance was only the beginning. As Kalamity’s recognition grew, Stokes was approached regularly with requests to support various causes in the community. Over the last four years, the crew has hosted events for, among others, Dylan and Riley Slack, a brother and sister suffering from a rare neurodegenerative disease, Carter Franklin, a Kanab boy with cancer, Abby Doman, a girl suffering from the heart disease cardiomyopathy, Ashley and Chad Baird, a married couple with two different forms of cancer and Jeanette Bracken, a woman with kidney disease currently trying to collect funds for a double transplant. Stokes estimated that Kalamity has raised more than $40,000, every penny of which comes from and benefits families in Southern Utah.
“(We give) the community a chance to be part of something big,” dancer Cambria Horlacher said. “Our supporters get to watch amazing shows and also donate to help change someone’s life.”
The current members of Kalamity are:
| Tia Stokes – Teacher/ChoreographerCambria Horlacher – age 20
Irene AhQuin – age 35 Jamie Brown – age 28 Alexa Ford – age 19 David Short – age 19 Bayden Fullmer – age 19
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Sam Wolsleger – age 23Amber Tirey – age 21
Shaylee Warren – age 19 Samantha Morgan – age 26 Jenn Olsen – age 25 Patrick Boyle – age 19
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Though Kalamity’s membership is limited to adult dancers, Stokes has created Kaos, a hip hop group for ages 12 to 18. They also train at The Vault and throughout the year, have the opportunity to perform alongside Kalamity at numerous fundraising events.
“It’s such a neat experience because they get to (participate) at a young age,” Stokes said. “They are learning great life values already.”
The 2012 cause
At the start of each year, the Kalamity dancers select one main cause to focus on above all others. Last December, after finishing the final concert for 2011 beneficiary Bracken, Stokes was on the hunt once again. She received a phone call just days later relaying the story of “Mighty Meg” Haycock, a married mother of two battling the bone cancer chrondosarcoma.
“As a mom myself, it really hit home,” Stokes said. “I knew right then that she was going to be our next cause.”
Meg Haycock, who lives in St. George with her husband Josh and young daughters Lydia and Brooklyn, was diagnosed with chrondosarcoma five years ago. She has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments in hopes of eliminating the multiple tumors, but with no success. In June 2011, doctors at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City informed her that in order to stop the cancer from spreading, drastic measures would have to be taken: An operation that would remove her right leg and hip, approximately one quarter of her body, and leave her wheelchair-bound for life. Despite suffering from constant pain and limited mobility, she opted against the surgery.
“We have been financially crippled and (emotionally) devastated (by) this whole situation,” Josh Haycock said. “We were at the end of our rope (but) since Kalamity has been involved, we have been given the help needed to get up, dust ourselves off and continue the fight.”
Through their dance performances and other efforts, Kalamity has raised $3,500 for the Haycock family so far, all of which is needed for staggering bills and travel expenses for Meg Haycock’s frequent trips to HCI. And while there is not much that can done for her medically, Stokes said that being able to assist her in other ways matters just as much.
“It would be awesome if we could bring in $10,000 for her but no amount is great enough,” she said. “It’s about support for her family and knowing that she’s not alone. She really doesn’t know how much longer she has (to live) and right now all we can do is pray for a miracle.”
Join the cause
Kalamity will host fundraisers for Meg Haycock in October and November (times and locations yet to be determined) as they prepare for their year-end concerts, which will be held Nov. 31 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Desert Hills High School auditorium. Monetary donations are always welcome and can be given online through the Haycock Cancer Fund. But the preferred way to contribute is by catching one of Kalamity’s shows.
“Without support, we are nothing,” dancer Alexa Ford said. “If you support Kalamity, you’re not only helping us but the cause that we are fighting for.”
Meg Haycock said: “Kalamity deserves all the support they can get. They have created something powerful and important. It’s so much more than just dancing.”
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.
Sounds like a great thing she is doing, but I have really heard a lot of awful things about this Tia girl on campus. She sounds very two faced and like she is still stuck in the “high-school” state of mind when it comes to “competing” with her peers. I have some friends who have had some not so great experiences with Tia. Props to her for doing something good with her dance team though! We need more people here in town who have such a passion for what they do.
I personally know Tia Stokes very well & all you have said & described of her is False & to your so called friends that say they know her “They Don’t” & it sounds like to me you better watch your back w/ those type of friends cause if they can do that to someone who is doing “GOOD” in the community then “Who are you” to them.
I LOVE the Vault and Kalamity. I am there everyday for Tia’s adult classes and my daughter is in her mini-combo class. It is a great place/cause to be a part of. I want to support The Vault, because I know it is centered on service. I have been attending the Vault for almost two years and have grown to love and look up to Tia for what she stands for. I am lucky to call her my friend. Thanks for honoring Kalamity in this article.
Jack what a sad and unfortunate person you must be. I wonder how a individual can read a beautifully penned article about a group that brings hope, love and joy into the lives of families that are desperatley in need, and respond in such a foul way? What kind of a person can look at so much positive love and unconditional giving and respond in such a derogatory manner? I dont think I know you, you likely dont know Tia, probably have not been to a concert, have no clue how Kalamity works or the sacrifice that is given solely to help others. Yet stil you choose to publish negative images…I hope you understood prior to publishing your reponse, this speaks to your intelligence.
You speak of your “friends” experience and yet I wonder, did said friend tell you how Tia increased their dance skill a hundred fold, tought them how to come out of their shell and show the person they are inside. In fact made them the person they are today? How far they came as a person spiritually, physically, and emotionally while under her watchful eye? I doubt it. It takes an ignorant individual to spew the negativity you have written without true knowledge. For that reason my response is not truly intended for you, but for the hundreds of eyes that will read this and be poisoned by your ignorance. I challenge you to go to the Vault and experience what is there, I know that, although hurt, Tia has already forgiven you for your unkind commentary, that is the type of person she is. She will welcome you to the studio and be appreciative as you come by to volunteer your time to help the community, thereby becoming a positive part of our beautiful town instead of a negative. Hope to see you soon the Vault is always looking for help.
I’ve known Tia an her dancing family for a while now and I’m glad to say i am a great friend an support to her and the kalamity crew. Tia and her crew bring back a sence of family an unity to the community something that’s been lost to most of us and many organization. I’m grateful for the friendship and the great things she has done for many people have experienced their own life’s kalamity.
Regarding the last statement about Tia. That is completely false. Please remember that there are always two sides to a story and we should always question something we hear, especially when it’s so negative. I happen to know Tia first hand, I have for years now, and she is one of the kindest, loving, selfless people I have ever met. She is a tell it how it is person but she always follows up with love. There have been some unfortunate events that have taken place but I know for a fact that nobody was left more hurt, and surprised by betrayal of friends and “high school” drama they created, than Tia. If someone was so focused on themself, trying to create drama why would they do something so great for someone other than themself? It really hurts my heart when I hear people say stuff like this, especially when they heard it through a “supposed” friend of Tia’s. I know for a fact that all of the people that are saying negative things about Tia haven’t even confronted her with their problems, isn’t that the only fair way to express the way we feel? If we have a problem with someone go and talk to them instead of spreading lies? I love Kalamity, and I love Tia, and I even love those girls that have felt the need to talk so negative about something that I know blessed their lives at a time. We all just need to remember the real reason why we are here, to love one another. Hate never gets us anywhere. 🙂
With large success, comes large haters. I’ve learned a million different things while being on Kalamity, but if I had to boil it down to one concept, I could. What is that you may ask? Standing for what is right and standing alone is more important than standing for something with your so-called trusted peers. Believe it or not, Kalamity doesn’t just touch the lives of the people it helps, but the dancers as well. Sometimes I think as a dancer, my life is changed more so than the chunk of change we are able to deliver to families after a concert. I haven’t seen a single soul dance with Kalamity and not walk out the doors a better human being and a better sense of the whole picture of the importance of life. Yes it takes all of us dancers to make this happen, but there is one single individual that made this all possible. Her name is Tia Stokes. I don’t care what anyone says, she has the most pure intentions I’ve ever seen. I want you all to know that hard work is involved in creating something great. She wouldn’t ever compete with us, but she DOES push us to becoming better. And if that sort of work ethic is not something you want to be a part of, then don’t blame that on Tia or anyone but yourself. That is your own personal decision. Henry B. Eyring once said that success comes with going beyond the itch. In short, he meant that when things become hard, you cannot give up. And that’s what Tia has done. She has gone beyond the itch. She has lost more than she had and still pushed through. If you have any negative words, keep them to yourself. It’s ridiculous that in St. George we even have the opportunity to partake of the talent Tia has to offer. And she’s a coach that absolutely wants you to be the best dancer you can be. I don’t know how anyone could critcize that. But like I said in the beginning, success brings haters. If anyone has anything negative to say about Kalamity or ANYTHING at all in life, keep it to yourself. It only takes one bad seed to ruin a team, a family, a community, and a nation. May the Lord always bless Tia and her family.
What a stupid name, Calamity with a K. Trying to be hip? These amateurs fail on multiple levels.
Murat, you are the self proclaimed expert on names so you must be right on this one being stupid because you think so. As an amateur critic, I’m sure you have watched one of their performances to base your opinions on?
And just what are you doing to make a difference, murat? Oh, you’re making a difference, jus not a positive one by spewing your childish garbage on here. Go choke on your dinner!
Why don’t you go choke on a hot dog, child peasant!
Wow…really Murat? Go stand on a street corner in Vegas and shout your filth to whomever will listen. At least they can turn and walk away while your spittle blows back on you from talking into the wind.
Why don’t you get hit by a bus, clown.
dghws, I don’t know if you knew this or not but “Murat’s” room at the Cliff Inn hotel on the blvd was recently damaged by fire. He’d have you believe he lives some fantasy life of luxury, but unfortunately it’s just that – a fantasy. He now has no home and spends his days using the free internet at the public library. It’s actually a really sad existence, and he’s very hurt and angry right now by his displacement. Hopefully this give you a little insight into why he acts so foolish. He’ll get on here and deny it til he’s blue, but I just wanted everyone to know the real deal.
Is your name really Murat?
actually, i think it’s @$$wipe
😉
Yes, Murat Meidani.
To the Negative people who are not happy w/ there own lives & have to Ripp someone else’s apart “I’ll pray for you” Tia is an Amazing individual and nothing you can say or write about & by the way (your a coward for hiding behind your words, JACK) will change what she is to a lot of people. Not only has she changed the Lives of those being Danced for the cause but the DANCERS themselves. We are all better Dancer because we have a Bigger purpose into WHY we dance, & it is because of Tia who has opened our eyes to loose ourselves into a Cause that is Bigger then just being a better dancer but to do it for SOMEONE ELSE. No matter what people say “ACTIONS speak louder then WORDS” Thanks Tia for your Example We Love You!!!!
Jack,
You wanna know the best part of people saying negative things about Tia???? That means she is doing something right. Every single time someone is successful and doing great others feel a need to knock them down. If Tia was any of the things said by your supposive friends I hope first you check who your friends are and second when you are in the presence of Tia you feel like you are becoming a better person. I think before you chose to post immature comments that you remember that what goes around comes around and you are lucky to ever meet or get to know Tia. I hope one day you get that opportunity because that is a girl I am glad to say is my friend!
Ive had the privilege of participating in many of Kalamity’s benefit concerts and have also had the privilege of working with Tia as a person and can testify to the above comments that she is the most caring and selfless individual I have ever met. Her efforts through Kalamity as well as through her personal life to help others have had a great impact on me as well as many others in the community. She is driven by her genuine love to help others not for the praise and attention that come with it but because she has a profound love for every single person no matter who they are. To Anyone who might question Tia’s character I challenge you to walk in her shoes for a week. Wake up at 430 each morning just to teach dance while raising two kids and then put in the time to choreograph and plan concerts in order to help those who could use an extra hand. I promise you will find that it is impossible to do with your mind set on gaining the attention of your peers. But if you are like Tia, and you do it only because of your profound love for others, there is nothing in the world that you would rather be doing
Jesus, look at the negativity here! St George is so deceiving. If it’s not directly related to the “almighty, self-righteous” cult church, this is how the small-mindedness of this community reacts.
Are you all being totally imature and critical cuz it has to do with hip hop instead of country or church choir music? What is it with the old retirement/religious community pairing hip hop with urban gang affiliation or the like? Get out of the damn box, ya’ll. Times like this I am totally embarassed to say I’m from here.
I’m so over the mentality of this small “metroplex”. It’s so hard to be who and what you wanna be here. That’s what is great about the larger cities, sure you have crime, crowdedness and fast pace, but for godsake atleast people are respected for who they are-no matter what color, sex, sexual preference, beliefs,style, or whatever walk of life one may be. I love the desert, climate, scenery and overall energy of St George, my hometown, but the bred of many people is just plain whack. Diversity and individuality is so far from embraced here in the 435.
Here in St. George we still have principles. You’re free to return to your diverse, crime-ridden ghetto.
As are you Murat…some have principles that govern our name calling, belittling others, and generally being a negative poor excuse for a self proclaimed spokesperson for St. George. Maybe you should read carefully and listen to what she is saying rather than jump in and express “push” your point of view which frankly is becoming very tiresome to many in the reader base. Your comments for the most part do not increase the dialogue, the creative thought, or add constructive criticism.
Below is a little excerpt from this inspiring article on Tia’s dance troupe Kalamity that has deeply touched my heart about this woman who is about to leave this earthly life and her earthly family :
“We have been financially crippled and (emotionally) devastated (by) this whole situation,” Josh Haycock said. “We were at the end of our rope (but) since Kalamity has been involved, we have been given the help needed to get up, dust ourselves off and continue the fight.”
Meg Haycock said: “Kalamity deserves all the support they can get. They have created something powerful and important. It’s so much more than just dancing.”
Kalamity rocks the lowly hearts and souls with their uplifting dance moves of kindness, comfort, service, selflessness, joy, hope, and in uniting hearts through the pure love of Jesus Christ which over over flows in every Kalamity dancer’s heart.
Thank you Tia and your Kool dance troupe Kalamity for being such a shining and inspiring example to us islanders way over here in Maui, Hawaii. May Kalamity’s beautiful light continue to shine bright in our brothers and sisters lives, who truly need a blessing like Kalamity in their lives.
Lots of love from your our number one fan here in Maui!
Below is a little excerpt from this inspiring article on Tia’s dance troupe Kalamity that has deeply touched my heart about this woman who is about to leave this earthly life and her earthly family :
“We have been financially crippled and (emotionally) devastated (by) this whole situation,” Josh Haycock said. “We were at the end of our rope (but) since Kalamity has been involved, we have been given the help needed to get up, dust ourselves off and continue the fight.”
Meg Haycock said: “Kalamity deserves all the support they can get. They have created something powerful and important. It’s so much more than just dancing.”
Kalamity rocks the lowly hearts and souls with their uplifting dance moves of kindness, comfort, service, selflessness, joy, hope, and in uniting hearts through the pure love of Jesus Christ which over flows in every Kalamity dancer’s heart.
Thank you Tia and your Kool dance troupe Kalamity for being such a shining and inspiring example to us islanders way over here in Maui, Hawaii.
May Kalamity’s beautiful light continue to shine bright in our brothers and sisters lives, who truly need a blessing like Kalamity in their lives.
Lots of love from your number one fan here in Maui!
It saddened me and broke my heart as I read the two negative posts that was written by Jack and Murat (if that’s your real name) Tia is my daughter and if any one knows her better it’s her mother. What mother wouldn’t be proud of what their daughter does and support her in any way to he[p with her cause by helping “One Kalamity at a Time”. Tia is a young married girl (4 yrs.) with two little boys and a hard working husband, active in her church and family, she has little time for herself because she understands that life is much harder for others who are going through more serious challenges than herself. She’s certainly not rich to give her own money so she uses her dance as a way to help others. With her husband full speed ahead supporting her, she is able to keep Kalamity strong so they can continue their cause for good (he also understands others needs). Everything that was said from Jack and Murat is false and just the opposite.. Tia has always been a charitable, loving and giving daughter to others, that’s her, she’s always been like that, so no matter what you say, she’ll never stop what she loves doing and that’s serving her brothers and sisters in the community. She started Kalamity to give back to others through her dance, she knows it is a blessing from her Heavenly Father, hoping it will inspire others with a passion for dance to help raise money for people in the community that needs help with their calamity., So, if you two are dancers and talking negative about Tia, why not do something constructive and start another dance group of your own to help raise money for a good cause, that’s what Tia is hoping that others will follow and give back by using their talent. I am grateful I have a daughter who loves people and looks for ways to help. I am also grateful for the rest of my seven children and husband that always support their sister Tia fulfill her dream in helping others in need. Count your blessings, name them one by one….we all have alot to be grateful for, use it for good. Don’t tear down someones good name and reputation because of how you feel, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything, keep it to yourself and go to the person and talk to them. I love you Tia, you’re a good sweet daughter, keep up the good work and be strong in your trials. It’s been said, “it wouldn’t be easy, but, It will be worth it”. Love, your Mother
You gotta be thankfull for the “JACK’S” out there, they make people like ” TIA” work harder!! Nuff said
I love that there are more positive comments on here for Kalamity and Tia than negative. If anything, there shouldn’t be a single negative comment because Tia gives her heart and soul to the cause. She puts so much energy into making people happy. Her positive attitude is infectious, and I and my family are better people for having known her and shared in her incredible dream. What Andy said couldn’t be more true. COME to the Vault and SEE what an amazing person Tia is for yourself before you go believing and spreading false secondhand information.
My daughter took dance from Tia at the vault…… she absolutely loved it and had such a great time there…. If she likes it and keeps wanting to go back then it is working….. I really loved all the staff there and Tia. she is always positive. I see her out front of the vault always welcoming everyone with a great smile…our only reason for stopping now is soccer season is back and then we will return to the vault…..
Tia and staff keep up the good positive work and atmosphere you provide to to all your community!!!!!
You are very blessed…….
I think we shouldn’t give any more of our valuable energy and time discussing the 2 negative lies/comments. We should put our time and energy back on focusing on the amazing love filled hearts that make up Kalamity and the powerful impact that these dancers are having on their community. Negativity will always be there, but the positive is so much more powerful and joyful to focus on.
I love the clever name Kalamity, I love the concept that you can turn any calamity into a blessing for good. I love how the dancers are literally dancing their hearts out for others in need of succor. And I especially admire and love my beautiful niece TIa, who has always been a great leader in doing good and helping others.
All of you Kalamity Dancers are inspiring role models to your community in showing them that when your hearts are united in unselfish acts of love, how something fun like hip hop can be used as a vehicle to bring joy and unity in your community. Give em’ Kalamity all your loving hearts have got because you are having an awesome and life changing impact on so many people in your community.
I leave you with the words of Michael Jackson the King of Hip Hop: “Keep On With The Force. Don’t stop till you get enough!”
Alofa Tele,
Aunty Marishia
Uhh, MJ was the king of pop. Not hiphop!
I am so glad to see all the positive comments that have been said. I found out about Kalamity over a year ago, and have been going to Tias adult hip hop classes ever since then. One of the first concerts i went to was for Janette Bracken, I was so overwhelmed by the spirit and the passion that i felt and saw in just a short amount of time, that i just had to be apart of it! there was no doubt in my mind that what Tia and Kalamity have been doing for this community was wrong!! You go to a concert and u leave wanting to become a better person or already feeling that u are a better person, just by watching the show! I have always looked at Tia with such love and care, this woman is so INSPIRING!! I have the opportunity to help Tia out 3 days a week at her house and i am always looking forward to it!! she is the sweetest person u will ever get to know, she is the most loving person u will ever meet, she could possibly take on this world and still be able to balance her studio, her team, her family, her calling and much more! all she wants is the best from everyone, she puts others before herself! she knows that there are far worse things out there then what shes ever had to deal with! What is happening now is probably the hardest thing she has gone though, she has lost a great part of what she thought was her family, but it is making her a stronger person, it has made our team grow closer. This year is my first year being on the team and it has been SO wonderful. For the people who are downgrading the team and Tia, u have obviously forgotten ‘WHAT’ we do ‘WHY’ we do it and ‘WHO’ we do it for! With everything that has been going on lately it IS only making us stronger!! Thank you all for your support and your love, its all we have to look forward too! Its not just one person you’re putting down its all of us BUT we will succeed in ALL that we do! What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and stand a little taller!! 🙂
Peace, Love and Unity <3
What kind of pathetic cowards hide behind screen names and talk down an amazing person, and a program that continues to change lives everyday for the better? Tia is an amazing person, a great mom, a supportive and accepting friend and coach. She loves what she does and gives her entire heart and soul for it and expects the same from her dancers, I have seen it first hand and am blessed and thankful to have played a small part in what Kalamity does. Nobody can take away the tens of thousands of dollars Tia and Kalamity have raised for families facing their own “Kalamities”, especially not those sad, little people who have to hide behind screen names to tear down one of the best people I know.
Mathew 7:16 “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them”
I have met Tia only a handful of times but, every time she hugs me and you feel so loved when she is around. She is an inspiration to all. I have seen how she can change a life for the better and give a place of refuge from the crazy world we live in (the vault). I am inspired by her to be a better person.
Murat, have you run out of “buds” from the marijuana grows that you claim you help yourself to? If not, put down the bong so you can make some positive remarks on this site. You seem to post negative comments on most every story here on STGNews, and all negative. Do yourself and the readers here a favor and get some help with your drug problem(s).
I don’t take advice from the likes of you. You’re probably just another peasant who consumes baked bean cans.
I know all this was said a long time ago but Tia is a strong, beautiful, kind person. You two need to watch what you say to people because that’s messed up. Obviously Jack if you knew Tia you wouldn’t believe those things people said about her and honestly those people can shut their mouths because Tia is nothing like that! She’s awesome and has a big loving heart for everyone! She’s a always there for everyone! And the fact that she forgave you after you said that shows what kind of person she is. Get a life. Moron or however you say your name