Give the gift of dance with dance marathon for innercity

A local dance studio wants to provide underprivileged children with dance classes but needs your help.

Youth for Christ's Masterworks dance studio is a program providing dance to children from all across the city. From ages 0-adult there are classes available for everyone. 

"I think dance is one of the most amazing developmental extracurricular activities you can do. Dancing gives you a way to express beyond words, and also it’s such a social thing," Chelsea Tielman instructor for Masterworks studio says. 

"Our mission at Masterworks is to make dance accessible to all youth regardless of financial status or skill level. We have a program in which underprivileged students can come and we can support them, regardless of whether they can pay o

They began a bridging program that caters to innercity youth. "They don’t just get to dance but they also get a meal and are provided with a community where they are cared for and loved on," Tielman says. 

On 'Giving Tuesday', December 3, they are inviting the community to a dance marathon fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. It's all part of their 'Gift of Dance' campaign where they hope to raise $5,000 this Christmas season for those who couldn’t otherwise afford dance lessons. 

There are a variety of classes from African contemporary dance to couples ballroom available by donation. 

"Your gift opens access to an activity that is traditionally out of reach for low-income families. It also creates an opportunity for connection for kids all around the city to engage in intercultural communication, dialogue, and activities together," Tielman says.

 Every dollar counts. One class is covered by a $10 donation. For a student in need $40 sponsors a month of classes and $365 sponsors a student for the entire year.

For those who can't attend the marathon Masterworks' mobile giving is available just text" DANCE" to 20222 to add a $10 or $20 donation to your next phone bill.