So, You Think We Can Save A Dance Studio?

The Ellie Paige Dance Company is an award-winning dance studio in Houston, TX, struggling to keep its doors open. Severely impacted by COVID, the business has encountered several setbacks that they have not been able to recover from. With little help from government COVID relief programs and ever-increasing expenses, the monthly deficit continues to grow.

Despite these setbacks, owner Kennison and director Eryn have not wavered in their dedication to these kids. These women show up seven days a week, passionately preparing these young dancers to achieve their dreams - many of which are poised for professional dance careers.

 

Willow, 12 - EPDC Pre-Professional Dancer

 

Kivonna, 14 - EPDC Pre-Professional Dancer

 

If showing up seven days a week isn't evidence enough of their loyalty to this journey...perhaps knowing that they continually sacrifice their paycheck to offset the deficit will demonstrate their intense level of commitment. Owner Kennison works other jobs during the day to support herself and her 1-year-old son, Kingston and is at the studio pouring her passion into her dancers every night - with Kingston in tow.

Kennison's son, Kingston, with EPDC dancer, Eaden,  at the dance studio

 

Since my husband and I are business owners, Kennison recently reached out to us in a desperate plea for business advice and financial guidance. After meeting with her and Eryn and learning the EPDC story, my husband and I felt driven to help somehow. After all, our own business would not have survived without mentors to guide us, so it became a welcome chance to give back.

 

The primary issue is the studio space. Before COVID, Kennison had moved EPDC from a run-down studio space above a used appliance store into a brand new facility that she poured her life savings into.

 

EPDC dancers rehearsing at the new studio space in 2019

 

Ballet class at the new EPDC studio in 2019

 

Unfortunately, when COVID forced the business to close, she lost the new studio. Once classes were permitted to resume, Kennison scrambled to find somewhere to get the kids back to their passion, so she borrowed any available space- even dancing on concrete! THIS is what perseverance looks like!

 

The show must go on! EPDC rehearsing in a borrowed space after losing the new studio in 2020.

 

With no other options and competition season quickly approaching, Kennison eventually worked out a deal with her original landlord for the space back above the appliance store. However, the rent had increased to three times what it was before, and the facility was even more run-down than before. Broken floors, leaking ceilings, holes in walls, inefficient HVAC, inadequate parking, and no money keep this business from growing the way you would expect such an accomplished dance program to grow.

 

Damaged floors at the current studio space

 

If we felt like this business was incapable of succeeding, Joe and I would advise Kennison & Eryn to find a new passion. However, it is evident that this business simply needs a little bit of capital and new studio space to live up to its reputation as the best dance company in Houston.

 

Ms. Eryn with EPDC Dancers at the ShowStoppers Competition

 

Peyton, 12 - EPDC Pre-Professional Dancer

 

So, we are turning to the community for help. That's YOU! We need YOUR HELP!

 

We want to raise $31,000 to help Kennison get this dream back on track.

Here is how we're going to spend the money:

 

$10,000 - Repay debt

$8,000 - New space (security deposits/first rent)

$1,600 - Utilities (deposits for electric, gas, water etc.)

$8,000 - Specialized dance flooring

$1,000 - Studio mirrors

$600 - Ballet barres

$800 - Interior design (paint, decor, waiting room chairs, signage)

$1,000 - GoFundMe fees

 

Total Cost: $31,000

 

To learn more about The Ellie Paige Dance company and how Kennison and Eryn are impacting youth in the community, please check out the videos and stories on this fundraiser page or visit the website at www.elliepaigedanceco.com

 

 

Thank you for your support! PLEASE SHARE!

#SmallBusinessRelief  #ArtsFund  #Dance #ElliePaige