Dance Arts of Orange County
Donation protected
The Community needs your help!
Orange County, CA has lost one of its greatest dance studios, Jimmie DeFore Dance Studio. DeFore was a huge part of thousands of dancers lives for 38 years. DeFore was not just another dance studio. It was a home for beginners to professionals. It was for the people of the community and for dancers just passing through. There were all genres of dance represented. It was a home away from home, a safe haven, where dancers, teachers, choreographers shared their passion for dance. Building strengths, friends, and memories. DeFore was a unique hub of the dance world.
With the studio closing, not only are hundreds of dancers be displaced, but myself and some of the best dance teachers in Orange County are out of work.
Something needs to happen, and happen fast!
Hello, my name is Gina Cerato. And I am searching for donations to keep the legacy, tradition, and love of dance alive in Orange County.
DeFore was my home for 30 years, and now I will continue the legacy in a new and improved version. Having a studio of my own has been a continued dream, passion and goal for me. With your help I will start a new incarnation of something amazing.
Following in my familys legacy (My grandmother a dancer in Hollywood, and my Aunt a Professional Ballerina) I started training right here in Orange County with Ballet Pacifica, and then with Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. Since, I have worked with more than 25 well known choreographers as a company member with Ballet Pacifica, dancing professionally for over 20 years.
Retiring from performing, I developed a passion for teaching. First at the Ballet Pacifica Conservatory, and then on to many other studios in Orange County. For over the last 10 years I have been part of the DeFore family as a faculty member, cultivating dancers that have gone on to dance professionally in many disciplines and industries. I have not only taught, but choreographed and produced as well. At DeFore I have held Summer and Winter Intensives, and most recently a Variations workshop. Just last year, I spent time in New York City with my brother (A Broadway dancer) while attending ABT’s National Training Curriculum and becoming an ABT certified teacher.
Now, here I am starting from scratch to create a NEW Orange County studio in the tradition, style, similar location of DeFore, only better. An open, drop in, adult, beginning to professional studio. All dance styles, with performance opportunities, a strong faculty( at least 16 confirmed from DeFore), and a conservatory separate from the adults, with a foundation of strong technique for the next generation.
I am truly appreciative of any and all donations. Every $10, $100, $1000 will go toward the new studio for the new location, sprung Marley floors, mirrors, stereo systems, barres, computer, cash register, phone system, advertising, refrigerator, etc. I am also in need of funds for the permits and insurance specifically for a dance studio. Just one studio flooring will cost over $10,000. One wall of mirrors will cost $1500. One wall of barres $2500.
The past year that Ihave been trying to produce a new studio, I have realized that it is more costly than originally thought. The city of Costa Mesa charges a minimum of $1000 just to consoder parking!
I am doing my best, but need help.
I look forward to presenting this new studio very soon to our community and continuing the legacy and tradition of Dance in Orange County.
This can only happen from the love and support of all. Please forward this to any and all dance enthusiasts, friends, family, and supporters.
Thanks and Keep Dancing!!!
Orange County, CA has lost one of its greatest dance studios, Jimmie DeFore Dance Studio. DeFore was a huge part of thousands of dancers lives for 38 years. DeFore was not just another dance studio. It was a home for beginners to professionals. It was for the people of the community and for dancers just passing through. There were all genres of dance represented. It was a home away from home, a safe haven, where dancers, teachers, choreographers shared their passion for dance. Building strengths, friends, and memories. DeFore was a unique hub of the dance world.
With the studio closing, not only are hundreds of dancers be displaced, but myself and some of the best dance teachers in Orange County are out of work.
Something needs to happen, and happen fast!
Hello, my name is Gina Cerato. And I am searching for donations to keep the legacy, tradition, and love of dance alive in Orange County.
DeFore was my home for 30 years, and now I will continue the legacy in a new and improved version. Having a studio of my own has been a continued dream, passion and goal for me. With your help I will start a new incarnation of something amazing.
Following in my familys legacy (My grandmother a dancer in Hollywood, and my Aunt a Professional Ballerina) I started training right here in Orange County with Ballet Pacifica, and then with Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. Since, I have worked with more than 25 well known choreographers as a company member with Ballet Pacifica, dancing professionally for over 20 years.
Retiring from performing, I developed a passion for teaching. First at the Ballet Pacifica Conservatory, and then on to many other studios in Orange County. For over the last 10 years I have been part of the DeFore family as a faculty member, cultivating dancers that have gone on to dance professionally in many disciplines and industries. I have not only taught, but choreographed and produced as well. At DeFore I have held Summer and Winter Intensives, and most recently a Variations workshop. Just last year, I spent time in New York City with my brother (A Broadway dancer) while attending ABT’s National Training Curriculum and becoming an ABT certified teacher.
Now, here I am starting from scratch to create a NEW Orange County studio in the tradition, style, similar location of DeFore, only better. An open, drop in, adult, beginning to professional studio. All dance styles, with performance opportunities, a strong faculty( at least 16 confirmed from DeFore), and a conservatory separate from the adults, with a foundation of strong technique for the next generation.
I am truly appreciative of any and all donations. Every $10, $100, $1000 will go toward the new studio for the new location, sprung Marley floors, mirrors, stereo systems, barres, computer, cash register, phone system, advertising, refrigerator, etc. I am also in need of funds for the permits and insurance specifically for a dance studio. Just one studio flooring will cost over $10,000. One wall of mirrors will cost $1500. One wall of barres $2500.
The past year that Ihave been trying to produce a new studio, I have realized that it is more costly than originally thought. The city of Costa Mesa charges a minimum of $1000 just to consoder parking!
I am doing my best, but need help.
I look forward to presenting this new studio very soon to our community and continuing the legacy and tradition of Dance in Orange County.
This can only happen from the love and support of all. Please forward this to any and all dance enthusiasts, friends, family, and supporters.
Thanks and Keep Dancing!!!
Organizer
Gina Cerato
Organizer
Irvine, CA
