When Hurricane Harvey devastated swaths of southeast Texas, the dance community stepped up, channeling characteristic discipline and drive raise relief funds for studios and dancers affected by the storm. Now it’s time to come to the aid of those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria’s wrath.
- Mauro Youth Ballet School, San Juan, PR Teacher Candice Michelle Franklin started a GoFundMe for Mauro Youth Ballet, a school she’s traveled to several times over the last few years to guest teach. Only two years ago, the school moved to its new location—and the boys of Mauro Youth Ballet helped build the new studios. Help them get their school up and running again. The Charlotte Youth Ballet is also raising funds for their guest artists who hail from Puerto Rico, including Aureo Andino, Mauro Youth Ballet’s co-owner.
- Comerio, PR Chicopee, Massachusetts–based school Dazzle Studio of Dance is raising money for three of its families who have relatives in Comerio, a small town in the center of the island which was hit particularly hard. The studio will host a fundraiser on October 27 at the Moose Lodge in Chicopee. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and the event will feature a DJ, food and raffles.
- School for the Performing Arts, Guaynabo, PR This Puerto Rico studio has a GoFundMe to rebuild its location and “help our island heal through the arts.” With a staff of 35 teachers and 5 administrators, this studio has been around for more than 30 years.
Know of a Hurricane Maria relief effort for dance studios that’s not listed here? Talk about it in the comments section or e-mail us (bfarber@dancemedia.com) to let us know more!