By Jaime Arnall
Dance 411 Studio and the Dance 411 Foundation recently teamed up to host a Back-to-School Carnival. The event was held on Saturday, August 3, and more than 200 children attended. The kids enjoyed free workshops, games, and a day of fun before heading back to school.
While it may have been a day of celebration, there’s more to the story. The foundation has a much larger impact on the local community than just one day of fun.
Dance 411 Foundation, which was established in 2004, is focused on fostering the well-being of urban youth and adults by providing education and exposure to the art and disciplines of dance, drama, and music.
The foundation’s Journey Arts After School & Outreach Program takes activities including performances, workshops, and classes into Atlanta area schools, daycare centers, and churches. In Journey After School, Dance 411 Foundation provides academic enrichment, homework help, and performing arts education.
“Last year, Dance 411 Foundation served more than 2,000 children and offered programs to more than 30 schools and organizations,” says Samara Michelle, the Executive Artistic Director for the Foundation.
Another program is Atlanta ArtSpace, which provides support, training, and networking opportunities for upcoming Atlanta artists.
“Outreach really transforms the students. We have students that never participate in any extracurricular activities who excel into leadership roles in the class. They are excited and cannot wait for their teachers to arrive,” says Michelle.
“We are really encouraging the community to get involved by sponsoring children through our online giving program and by volunteering at our Community Arts Days,” states Michelle.
With a small donation of $5 per month over a year, the tuition of an outreach student is covered for an entire year.
For more information on donating or volunteering, please visit www.dance411foundation.org. Dance 411 Foundation is located at 475 Moreland Avenue. Contact Dance 411 Foundation at 678-753-4110.
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