Project D.A.N.C.E
Ten years ago, after conversations with African American mothers whose children wanted to take ballet, we began Project D.A.N.C.E. We formed an inclusive outreach program to help nurture students of color in our community with the acronym DANCE "Diversity - Accepting and Nurturing Community Equality." We partnered with Meeting Street Academy with a vision to support students of color with yearlong ballet lessons. Project D.A.N.C.E. focuses on learning life skills such as respect, dedication, responsibility, perseverance, self-esteem, honesty, confidence, and resilience in concert with the highest quality ballet training.
The program has grown over the past ten years. These young students share the desire to train in dance each week, to hone their skills, and to develop meaningful and useful life skills. Our goal is to support five students during our 2025/2026 season.
The scholarships for Project D.A.N.C.E. are funded by the generous community members, leaders, businesses and foundations listed below. We are forever grateful to those who share our vision for this program. Project D.A.N.C.E. students and parents - thank you for your passion, desire, and commitment.
- Susu and George Dean Johnson, Jr.
- Bill and Valerie Barnet
- Sam's Club
- The Episcopal Women of the Church of the Advent
- Walmart Foundation
- Mrs. Dorothy Josey
- Ms. Lindsay Webster
- Mrs. Linda West
- Purpose Financial
- Walmart Foundation
- Johnson Management, LLC.
- Colonial Trust, Co.
If you are interested in Project D.A.N.C.E and would like to help with this scholarship program, you may donate to the program by clicking here. $543 a year will support one dancer for a full year of dance lessons.
- Your sponsorship is tax-deductible.
- We invite you to meet the dancer and his/her family.
- We invite you to observe your dancer/dancers take lessons in our studio.
- We invite you to attend your dancer's end of the year dance demonstration in May.
Carlos Agudelo, 2023 SC Governor's Award for an Individual
Ballet Spartanburg's Artistic Director, Carlos Agudelo, was awarded the South Carolina Governor's Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission on May 23, 2023, at the Chapman Cultural Center. The award was presented by Mr. David Platt, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. "We recognize the unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, devotion and love for dance that Carlos has gifted to our community out of his passion for all to experience the arts for the past 32 years. We are overjoyed that Carlos has been recognized by the South Carolina Arts Commission, " Teresa S. Berline, Executive Director. "The South Carolina Arts Commission is an extraordinary organization in our state which promotes and advocates opportunities in the arts which values equality, access, diversity and inclusion. Ballet Spartanburg is honored by the support of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the recognition of Carlos Agudelo."
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