Dance Institute of Washington Inc

Dear Generous Supporter,

A community like Washington, DC thrives when caring individuals like you come together, each contributing from the heart, to make life a little better for those around us. 

The pandemic--though it separated us physically for a year and a half--brought us together in more ways than one. As a community we made a concerted effort to get a handle on this new, devastating virus. Thanks to donors like you, we adopted effective public health and safety measures, adapted our vital dance education services, performances, and events to function in the virtual space and now in a hybrid learning format, and strengthened our facility, including the new Fabian Barnes Theater, to offer a beacon of hope. 

That was not all. You raised your voice with us for racial equity and justice as the world raced to recover, showing support for our BIPOC youth leaders who felt compelled to perform dance works in support of Black Lives Matter. 

We now realize that, for our health, wellness, and survival as a community, we depend on one another. Empathy is the greatest gift. 

Dance Institute of Washington has been encouraged by the many passionate supporters who have donated to ensure that DC students, families, artists and audiences of all backgrounds have equitable access to arts, education, culture, health/wellness, and community connections!  

It is our hope that in response to this "A Community Thrives" campaign, you and others like you will show renewed support of our movement.

ABOUT DIW AND WHY YOUR DONATIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Dance Institute of Washington serves the District of Columbia as the leading Black-led, pre-professional dance equity organization. Located in Columbia Heights, DIW offers promising, underserved students year-round access to high-quality ballet and multi-genre dance education, coupled with academic support, career readiness workshops, emotional counseling, nutritional seminars, and other physical and emotional wellness services. Our holistic approach advances racial equity by closing opportunity and achievement gaps, helping students of color reach their goals. DIW mobilizes dozens of passionate staff, teaching artists, mentors, tutors, and community partners to serve hundreds of participants every year.

The educational impact of DIW’s programming is clear. In 2020, DIW helped 60% of regular attendees improve math grades and 44% improve English grades. In addition, DIW students improved in metrics of behavior, participation, and homework completion. 100% of students completed a dance audition, professional-level performances, and specific art-based projects.  

The effects of a DIW dance education are also life-changing and enduring. Upon graduation from DIW, 90% of students go on to college, enter prestigious dance institutions, or successfully enter the workforce. 

As a proud 21st Century Community Learning Center, DIW supports youth as they build confidence, character, and develop leadership skills by taking on various roles throughout their training experience--for example, in program planning and evaluation, marketing, choreography, performance, volunteer services, and civic engagement. 

Thank you for all that you do to support our mission,

Kahina Haynes, Executive Director