Potomac Ballet School and Company

As many of you know, my mom, Johnna DeGrasse, is the Owner and Artistic Director of DeGrasse Dance Studio here in Prince William County. Since she opened her studio in 1973, 50 years ago, she’s shared the magic of dance with thousands of kids (and now, many of their kids!). Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she opened a new studio space in Haymarket, VA, expanding the reach of DeGrasse Dance beyond its prior 40 years spent in Woodbridge, VA.

Like so many small businesses, the pandemic had an incredibly significant impact on the studio. Happily, DeGrasse is once again thriving and has regained its client base to pre-pandemic levels. However, as a non-profit organization, the federal aid needed to continue to pay the bills when our doors were closed has caused a persisting monthly deficit. The monthly federal loan payments are almost equal to the monthly rent, which is making it incredibly difficult to flourish as a business.

Additionally, just prior to the pandemic, my mom and studio owner, Johnna was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. While she is doing great considering, this business debt due to the pandemic, is making business and stress management an even larger challenge. Thanks to her incredible staff, the support of her family and her own perseverance, ongoing business is going very well. But with the combination of the federal loan payments and typical expenses, she is in a predicament that has become increasingly difficult. While my mom will one day be ready for retirement and to pass the torch—she’s not ready yet!

It has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I’m here to ask my network, our beloved DeGrasse community, alumni, and anyone who feels inclined to lend a hand, for help. Johnna’s loved ones are eager to somehow ease the burden, so that she can continue to enjoy what she loves and what she has brought to our community for so many years, without this overbearing stress.

We have many years left on our lease and plan to keep growing. We are so grateful to anyone who can lend a hand to help! (All donations are tax-deductible, as Potomac Ballet School & Company, our performing arm, is a non-profit organization.)

Sincerely,

Anna Rafferty