I am excited to support the Dance Project of Washington Heights' Giving Tuesday campaign in my new role as a Board Member.  But! Dance Project and my family go way back. 

My oldest daughter, Eloise, has taken dance lessons with dance projects since she was 1 when we joined the Infant movement classes. I guess I was moving right along with her too. Since then, she has taken tap, hip-hop, ballet, Latin dance, musical theater, and summer and winter camps and participated in countless performances. I am convinced that Dance Project has had something to do with her confidence, curiosity, and willingness to try new things. And of course, a sense of rhythm. Stephen and I also took a few salsa lessons. And now Emile is part of the dance project family, having spent time in their winter camp and taking hip-hop classes this fall. Needless to say, we are connected to the Dance Project.

But dance project is more than dance classes. It is an opportunity to build community. I've had the opportunity to meet and connect with so many parents and neighbors, and my children with their children through Dance Project. 

The Pay-What-You-Can for classes mission truly allows this program to be reflective of everyone in our community and the opportunity for all children who want to learn to dance to do so! Now more than ever we need this. We need art and community, and a sense of belonging and connections.

But Dance Project can't do this without your support.  Sustaining non-profit arts programming that is accessible to the community is incredibly challenging, and with impending NYC budget cuts, things will get more difficult.  Please consider donating any amount during this Giving Tuesday and before the end of the year. 

In solidarity,

Mery Diaz