Raise your toes, raise some funds

All those kegstands will finally come in handy.

On May 16, LAVA, a Prospect Heights-based performance troupe, holds its annual fundraiser — the Handstand-a-Thon.

The studio encourages young and old, pros and novices alike to come out and see the world from a new, upside-down perspective while raising money for the cause.

“It’s really community-based,” said Diana Greiner, managing director of LAVA. “People love it, we love it, there’s so much smiling and laughing that happens throughout the day.”

Last year’s fundraiser saw a collective three hours of handstands, with $20,000 raised for the studio’s scholarship fund and community programming. This year, they’re looking to raise the same amount, but with even bigger handstand goals: three hours and 45 minutes.

In forming a handstand, the support of a wall or spotter, thankfully, counts. Creativity is also encouraged: previous years have seen people come together for a handstand formation of the Brooklyn Bridge.

For most, though, a mere minute goes a long way.

“Every little bit counts,” said Greiner. “We’re changing Brooklyn one handstand at a time.”

Handstand-a-Thon at LAVA [524 Bergen St. between Sixth and Carlton avenues in Prospect Heights, (718) 399-3161], May 16 from 2-5 pm. For info, visit www.lavalove.org.

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