Participants in the Danbury Dance Initiative include leading educators, social service agencies, funders, and dance professionals. The program receives support from the Savings Bank of Danbury, Union Savings Bank, and the Danbury Cultural Commission.

 

In 2009, the company initiated a scholarship named in memory of original Danbury Dance Initiative task force member, local dancer, choreographer, and WCSU faculty member Khalda Logan and an annual benefit performance to raise funds for distribution to talented middle and high school students from Danbury Public Schools.

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Here’s what Kelly Gleason, KLDS Scholarship award-winner-turned professional dancer had to say about her experience:

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“It was through the Danbury Dance Initiative that I was able to receive the Khalda Logan Scholarship award. Personally, receiving the scholarship allowed me to obtain the training that I needed to get to where I am today and has helped to inspire my aspirations for the future. I admire the initiative’s mission to bring people together through dance, and to offer an extension or beginning of training to those who might not otherwise be able to access it. Thank you to the Danbury Dance Initiative and its many sponsors for enriching the path to my professional dance career.”
 

Click here to view Kelly's video 'from the road.'

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Currently, the organization sponsors a weekly class for students at Danbury’s Grassroots Academy. Students study with Connecticut Ballet teaching artists Amy Piantaggini or Kelly Gleason. Funds from the annual benefit support this community class. Thanks to Grassroots Academy for hosting us!

 

The annual benefit performance takes place at Broadview Middle School. Participating schools include the Monroe Dance Academy, Academy of Dance Arts, Grassroots Danbury, Connecticut Ballet Center, Fineline Theatre Arts, and Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. Video documentation will once again be generously provided by WestConn’s Department of Communication and Media Arts. Thanks also to Whole Foods/Danbury for contributing the snacks and for Danbury Public Schools for contributing the use of the auditorium.

 

Scholarship awards are for foundational or accelerated training after consultation with individual students and families at the recommendation of a jury of local dance professionals. Scholarship auditions will take place in the spring of 2021 for 2021-2022 scholarships. Call 203-964-1211 for details about the scholarship program.

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Connecticut Ballet is a proud member of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut (www.artswesternct.org).