Dance studios across the globe were forced to close their doors due to COVID-19. This has been devastating not only for professional dancers, but for all of the dancers who have come to rely on the dance studio as THE space for their dance training and development. No kitchen counter compares to a ballet barre, and a slab of concrete, plain wood or carpet is just asking for all kinds of pain and injuries. I am asking for financial support in building an at-home dance studio that will have all the features found in a traditional dance studio: a proper dance floor, mirroring, sound, etc. 

Your financial gift helps me with: 

Phase 1: Materials (hardware, flooring, air purifier, etc.)

Phase 2: Equipment (streaming technology, audio, lighting, etc.)

Phase 3: Business & Administration (website, Zoom/video hosting platforms, etc.)

I am so appreciative of whatever amount you can contribute to this vision. Thank you so much!

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A Bit About Me

I've been dancing my whole life! I grew up doing jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop and modern, but classical ballet is what stuck with me as an adult. My love for dance and for performing began at six years old, at the black-owned Dee Dee’s Dance Center in New Haven, CT. There are no words to describe how vitally and critically important black-owned and black-led arts venues are. Dee Dee’s not only provided a literal safe space during my childhood, but introduced me to the theater, to performing arts and creative expression through music and movement. I believe wholeheartedly in creating some semblance of that experience for children today!
In 2018, I became faculty with the Anaheim Ballet School, teaching 3-to-4 year olds. I love the work of instilling kindness, listening, confidence, passion, discipline and creativity into little humans. I miss it so much!

Having an at-home studio allows me to teach and offer private coaching again, in-person and via Zoom!

Dance Activism

I am a black ballerina. I would love to dance professionally. Sadly, not only has that not happened, but it is has not happened for reasons having to do with how much money I do or do not have, the shape and skin tone of my body and the kinks and coils of my hair. We’ve seen the startling inequities in this country full on this year and one need not stretch the imagination to consider how the plight of a single Black woman in America translates over to the plight of a Black ballerina. There is a beautifully unique opportunity for dance activism right now; the ability to advance the work of Black dancers who have come before me and who are doing work now, and to push the needle further toward a more just, loving, equitable and nuanced future for the performing arts world of classical ballet.

The autonomy and safety of an at-home dance studio helps me to give myself fully and wholeheartedly to the dance and physical fitness community in the midst of our new normal. 

Thank you so much for helping bring this vision to life.

All the Love and So Much Gratitude,

Kareena