It’s not every day you see a career stylist put down his shears and lace up some dance shoes, but that’s exactly what Trim Hunger founder Josif Wittnik did last month! After hours (and hours) of rehearsals, and months of fundraising, Josif took part in the Fox Valley’s Just Dance 2026 on February 21st. The event, held at the beautiful Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, brought together ten local community leaders who each took on the challenge of learning a dance routine.
In the end, with the support of the community, the dancers collectively raised more than $480,000 for local non-profits. For Trim Hunger, that meant $40,000! It came after a lot of hard work, and a tremendous amount of generosity from Trim Hunger supporters.
Putting in the work
For months leading up to the big night, Josif committed himself to learning his dance. With guidance from his talented partner Pamela of Boogie Ballroom, he spent countless hours rehearsing choreography, practicing steps, and pushing himself outside his comfort zone. “It was a true commitment,” said Wittnik. “Between my schedule and my professional partner’s schedule, finding the time to rehearse felt like trying to squeeze another thing into the day. But knowing the performance had to rise to a certain level of P.A.C., pushed me to show up, focus, and really learn the choreography. Not easy… but incredibly rewarding.”
Hours before the big event, Trim Hunger did what it does best — bring stylists together to make a difference. With tools and product in hand, they helped the dancers get ready for their shining moment. “Backstage, something special happened. All of us shared the same nerves, laughing about it, talking it through, high-fiving each other until the fear started melting away. By the time it was my turn to step out, half the stress was already gone.”
showtime!
And then it was showtime! Before a full house, the dancers gave it their all! Family, friends, community leaders, all watched as the dancers showed off what they had worked so hard for. They danced for children, the hungry, abandoned animals, cancer patients, and more. The judges raved. The audience cheered.
“Standing on the main stage of the Performing Arts Center for Just Dance was something I never imagined in a million years,” said Wittnik. “Sure, I’ve sat in that audience before thinking how cool it would be to be up there someday… but dancing? That was never the picture in my head. And when it was finished, there was this incredible wave of peace and joy… the kind that only comes after doing something you never thought you’d have the courage to do.”
Sharing the mission
The funds from Just Dance 2026 will help expand programs that empower individuals and families to live healthier lives. Like the Trim Hunger Shared Shelf program. Trim Hunger volunteers staffed the information table in the lobby of the P.A.C. to share the mission and answer questions with anyone who stopped by. The booth also featured a mini version of the “little food pantry” to help guests better understand how they work to provide food and support for familes 24/7.
And while the performance may be over, the impact of those dancing shoes will be felt for a long time to come.
a showing of support
Thank you to everyone who supported Josif and Trim Hunger during Just Dance Fox Valley. Your encouragement, donations, and cheers helped turn a night of dance into lasting change for our community.