We're still collecting donations
On the 26th September 2023 we'd raised £15,229 with 86 supporters in 70 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
The aim is to deliver dance classes to more children and teenagers in the area, whilst also providing them with a safe space and community.
On the 26th September 2023 we'd raised £15,229 with 86 supporters in 70 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
If we were successful enough to raise extra money we would add new mirrors to the dance studio
Studio V (NE) CIC is a dance school based in the Sunderland area. We provide a range of dance classes to ages 3-18, as well as summer holiday camps.
Studio V is a dance school based in Hetton-Le-Hole, Sunderland. It is in the top 20% of the most deprived super-output areas in England. As a CIC our focus is to provide opportunities to children and teenagers of the local community, encourage them to keep fit and healthy, as well as supporting their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Where It Began
The dance school was founded by myself, Victoria Dales, back in 2018. I ran fun dance classes in hired gym halls. The number of children and teens attending the classes quickly progressed, the timetable was able to expand, and the dance school started to enter regional competitions. The pupils at the school went from strength to strength and qualified for international competitions, including 'The World Freestyle Championships' in which we were very successful.
In 2021 I purchased a building (former gym) and renovated it into a dance studio to call our home. This allowed more children to attend classes and also allowed us to expand our timetable. As much as we love our studio there is still lots of renovation work to be done to make it a safer environment for training.
Before: After:
In February 2023 Studio V became a CIC, with the aim to provide more accessible dance classes and clubs throughout school holidays, and eventually provide low cost fitness facilities for the use of teens and parents at the club.
We are crowdfunding to help with costs of our dance studio refurbishment. The refurb is needed to raise the studio ceiling and provide a safer training environment for our pupils. It will also allow us to offer a wider variety of class including gymnastics and acrobatics, and activities for the teenagers by utilising a back room and adding additional gym space.
The money raised will all go towards the refurbishment cost, including;
-A new fire exit (£400)
-The removal of the suspended ceiling (approx £5000)
-Rewiring of electrics (approx £1200)
-More eco friendly lighting and heating system (approx £1000)
-Plastering of walls (approx £8000)
-Soundproofing the studio (£1500)
-New Gym Equipment (approx £1500)
The dance studio has a large positive effect on the community. It is home to over 50 dancers, it is a safe space for them to socialise, keep fit and active and participate in dance classes. The dance classes no mater what level all encourage the children to express them selves in the form of movement to music, it encourages team work, develops musicality as well as help them deal with their emotions.
The children all have access to the studio from after school hours till 8.30pm, a lot of the pupils come every evening from school, it is great for keeping the children off the streets. They socialise with each other in the studio and help support each other emotionally, the studio has a positive effect on the children's mental health. Parents also benefit from the designated waiting area, where they can socialise with other likeminded people.
The dance studio also run holiday camps, during the school holidays the children can attend our holiday camps 10am-3pm and each child is provided with water and refreshments. Throughout the week the children will be encouraged to participate in many activities including; dance, gymnastics, fitness bootcamps, team building games. This helps a lot of parents source affordable child care in school holidays.
How you can help Studio V to contribute to the United by 2023 Birmingham Commonwealth Games Legacy?
The objectives of the Commonwealth Games Legacy are to reach disadvantaged communities by supporting projects that are community led and keep the games for everyone's vision alive; promoting fairness and social inclusion.
Their aim is to also ensure venues and other Games assists are turned into accessible and well loved community spaces after the games.
Commonwealth Legacy
Our dancers are encouraged to follow the common wealth gymnastics coverage to provide them with inspiration for their own routines, not only does it provide inspiration for dancing, but also encourages them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. By raising the ceiling height in the studio this will enable gymnastic classes to take place, which will appeal to more young children and teenagers.
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
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