Columbia Dance Give More 24 Fundraiser

Hello Family & Friends,

From Avalene: “Ballet fills my heart with joy.”

As many of you know, Avalene has been active in ballet for the past five years at Columbia Dance. This studio is so special to our family — not just for the incredible training, but for the inclusive, welcoming community that nurtures children’s growth, resilience, and creativity.

As a parent, board member, and volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how Columbia Dance nurtures the whole dancer — body, mind, and spirit. Avalene has blossomed here, and I want every child in our community to have that same opportunity.

Columbia Dance is the only nonprofit dance studio in our area, reaching hundreds of children every week, including those from underserved communities. We offer financial aid, outreach programs, and INCLUDE classes for children with disabilities - making sure that every child, regardless of background or ability, can experience the transformative power of dance.

This past year, our company was honored with special permission from the Balanchine Trust to perform Serenade by George Balanchine and partnered with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for Swan Lake. Their artistry reaches a high level of excellence, but what makes Columbia Dance truly special is their commitment to keeping dance accessible to every child.

Here’s a snapshot of how your support makes a difference:

    •   100 students each week at Orchards Elementary — a Title I school — now have access to free dance classes

    •   Children with disabilities participate in tuition-free accessible dance through our INCLUDE program

    •   $45,000 in financial aid awarded annually to families in need

    •   1,500 third graders study The Nutcracker curriculum and attend a live performance every year on a field trip

Your gift in action:

    •    $75 helps offset financial aid for 1 month of Creative Dance

    •    $275 helps offset financial aid for 1 month of Intermediate Dance

    •    $420 helps offset financial aid for 1 month of Advanced Dance

Right now, a generous donor has offered a $5,000 matching gift! Every dollar you give will be doubled, helping even more children access dance, creativity, and community.

This month, I hope you’ll join me in supporting a nonprofit that means so much to our family — and to hundreds of other children across Vancouver and Portland. Together, we can keep the joy of dance alive and accessible for every child.

With much gratitude,

Meaghan