Dear Beloved Community,
We are writing in the hopes that you and your loved ones are safe, getting your needs met, and finding moments of light in this extremely difficult time. Thankfully, all students, staff, company members, and board members are accounted for and safe.
We are beyond fortunate that there has been no damage to our studio or the BeBe Theatre.
While we are devastated by the impact we are seeing Hurricane Helene have on our community, we are also amazed and inspired by how we are seeing the community come together. Our hearts are especially with those who have lost loved ones and entire homes and lives.
In times like these, the arts tend to get hit exceptionally hard. They lose visibility, income and space to create. So many art making spaces have been lost. With no running water, we are unable to open the studio to regularly scheduled classes and what could be an important reprieve for our students and dancers. Much of our funding is reliant on the rental of the BeBe Theatre from other artists, many of whom have had to cancel. With so much still unknown, we ourselves do not have a definite update about our upcoming season.
In order to help relieve some of these stressors, we are setting up a GoFundMe that will go directly to keeping the studio and theatre alive. We know so many are asking for donations at this time, and want to continue to lift up all of the other artists that make Asheville the place we love to call home. We know that many of our collaborators have lost everything in the River Arts District and Marshall and surrounding areas.
Our Staff and Artists have been out in the community helping with cleaning, clearing and donations. Our teachers and dance artists are continuing their work in the studio in preparation for when we can all be back together.
Thank you so much for your continued support throughout the years.
With love,
Susan, Giles, New Studio Staff and ACDT
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