Share This Campaign:
Hello my name is China Smith! I live in Austin, Texas. I am a mother, dancer, teacher and founding artistic director of Ballet Afrique. I am also a dreamer.
My dream is to motivate and mentor children who typically do not have access to the dance arts. I use dance to reach and inspire children, promote self-confidence and appreciation for themselves and their culture.
I am so proud of our small studio—we were recently noticed by Oprah's The O Magazine for the work we do and our impact on the youth of the community! Unfortunately this accolade will not help keep our facility open as we discovered that the building where we are located is in jeopardy of closing due to new management. This closure will have a direct affect on our students who are working towards securing performing arts scholarships upon graduating from high school and those who are just discovering the art of dance. This has accelerated our need to build our own facility, our own dance home!
Fundraising Goals
We are raising funds to create our own space so that we may continue providing quality arts programs to families who otherwise don’t have the opportunity or means. Your donation will provide the students with proper materials to conduct classes, including mirrors, ballet barres, appropriate flooring for ballet, contemporary, West African, hip-hop, tap and jazz dance, and a roof over our head. We want to ensure these students have the same quality experience regardless of their economic surroundings. 100% of your contributions will provide aid in building a performing arts center that will serve the community for dance.
What this would mean for us
Your donation would not only provide the children and community members the ability to continue, uninterrupted with their dance training and education, it would also assist me in sowing seeds of self-confidence and culture-appreciation in these young dancers!
Other ways you can help Ballet Afrique
Donate equipment and materials (wish list available upon request), Like us on Facebook!, Subscribe to our YouTube page, or Volunteer!
Team on This Campaign:
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China SmithFounder and Executive Artistic Director
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PJ JenkinsAssistant Director of Operations
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Sonia GaillardAdvisor
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Becky MilesFinance Specialist
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Karen ValbyWriter