From time-to-time a dancer or dance professional might need a helping hand with class or educational expenses. Vail Valley Academy of Dance is there to help on a limited basis. However, there is another organization that has the resources to help.

Friends of the Dance, a 501 (c)(3), has been financially supporting dancers and dance teachers in the Valley since 1984. Colorado Mountain College had the first children’s dance classes in the area, and FOD was happy to support these students with tuition assistance for classes both locally and nationally.

When CMC ended their children’s dance program, Vail Valley Academy of Dance opened its doors and offered more opportunities in dance for children. Friends of the Dance stepped in to raise money for master classes, tuition assistance, and additional performance opportunities. FOD is proud of its long-standing and close relationship with VVAD… quickly becoming a widely recognized dance academy turning out well-trained artists.

There are two periods during which you may apply for financial assistance — late summer for the upcoming school-year and mid-winter for summer training. FOD takes this process seriously and the application includes the inclusion of your most recent tax information, letters of recommendation, and student and parent letters of intention. The applications are available from Janet in the VVAD office during the application time frame.

In addition to FOD and direct support from VVAD, The Vail Youth Foundation offers dance study assistance.

Friends of the Dance depends on the generosity of our community and the hard work of its Board Members. If you’d like to fund the dreams of a young dancer please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to FOD, Box 212, Vail, CO 81658. Please direct your donation to “Financial Assistance.”

VVAD Mission: Through dance education, train and inspire individuals in an artistic, professional and safe environment.