Help "Mr. Rey" Dizon & Diane Partington Ballet

Mr. Rey was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room on Tuesday, December 14th due to what was thought to be a stroke. While tests found that he was not having a stroke, they did find a large tumor in his brain. While full details are not currently known, immediate surgery is warranted, and has been scheduled for Thursday, December 16th, two days before the Diane Partington School of Ballet Nutcracker holiday performance.

If you don't know Rey Dizon (aka Mr. Rey), he has a heart full of joy and surprises. Be it a brand new creation for one of the shows (all of the props are envisioned, designed, and built by him - even the cycling swan!), silly jokes in rehearsals, or entertaining the audience in a show, he has always been intent on bringing joy and laughter to those around him. He is also an excellent teacher that the children absolutely adore. Originally from the Philippines, he was a principal dancer with the Grands Ballets Canadiens and the Sarasota Ballet.

He is co-director of the studio his wife founded. Diane Partington is a former principal ballerina with the Ballet Du Nord in France, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Sarasota Ballet, and New Jersey Ballet. Mr. Rey, Diane, and recently joined by their daughter, Diana, have been an incredible influence in so many young dancers' lives. Over the last 21 years, they have poured their hearts and souls into creating a classical ballet studio that provides a quality education (many of their students have gone on to dance professionally), a love of dance, in an engaging, positive, and nurturing environment.

Earlier this year, Mr. Rey was diagnosed with lung cancer. After overcoming many hurdles and enduring multiple surgeries, including a heart bypass along with his lung surgery in September, until Tuesday he was in the studio for classes and rehearsals. He was also looking forward to resuming his role as Drosselmeyer, in addition to overseeing the entire Nutcracker production. Meanwhile Diane had undergone her own surgery a month ago due to a torn rotator cuff she incurred while trying to manage and move things the studio while Rey was recovering.

Just after moving their studio to Sarasota to upgrade their studio, Covid hit, eliminating their ability to hold in person classes for a time, as well as hindering enrollments. While, like many others, they worked hard to provide Zoom instruction and keep the studio going, they have not been able to put on any shows in the last year and a half, which help cover annual operating costs. If you have ever been to one of their shows, you know how much thought, love, and energy they pour into them. They want each student to experience what it feels like to be in a professional company production. During my daughter's first Nutcracker performance many years ago, I actually had to remind myself that students were performing on stage.

Throughout all of these challenges, while never once complaining or asking for assistance, Mr. Rey, Diane, and Diana, have maintained their students' class schedules and have continued to prepare for the upcoming show, train dancers for the Youth American Grand Prix dance competition, and help prepare summer intensive audition tapes. They always put their students first. Once, while helping backstage in the middle of a show, I watched Diane leave her post managing the production to console a dancer who became winded and panicked during his performance. She stood with him, reassuring him quietly, while gently rubbing his back until he was okay, at which point she resumed her duties.

As I knew the family would never ask for help, I wanted to create this fundraiser on their behalf. The family has been through so many challenges, while still continuing to give everything they have in them to others. I wanted to help alleviate some of their stress, if only financially, and bring them some joy, as they have brought all of us so much joy each holiday season, and throughout the entire year. As the extent of the tumor and Mr. Rey's rehabilitation requirements are currently unknown, the funds will be provided for the family to use at their discretion, be it medical expenses, studio support, or living expenses, along with whatever else may be needed to help them all rest & recover.


If you are unable to donate financially, please consider leaving a comment  with support & encouragement, prayers for healing, or just a great story you have. Please share. 

Diane Partington School of Ballet Nutcracker