Help to Save Avant Garden Ballroom Academy

Avant Garden Ballroom Academy, in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is more than just a dance studio.  Yes, we have regular private and group lessons, like other
studios, but we are much more than
that.  Since 2006, we have had a free  
dance teacher internship program that
has turned out dozens of dancers who
promote the joy of partner dancing in
Albuquerque and beyond.  We have
produced many Salsa and Swing dance
events, that were staples in the dance
community, and are always committed
to serving  beginners and familial.  You
may know our team from Salsa
Wednesdays at the Library, Rockabilly
Thursdays, that was just set to move
from Kelly’s to Tractor Brewery, and we were just about to announce the first
Gay Salsa Night ever in Albuquerque.
You may have also seen us at venues
including Sports and Wellness, The
Sheraton Uptown, Bosque School,  
Sandia Prep, the National Hispanic
Cultural Center, and many more.  

We are also proud to say that we have
always been committed to giving back to the community in other ways as well.  
We have donated classes and
performances to Radio Disney, The
Albuquerque Latin Dance Festival, USA Dance, the Albuquerque Uptown Grand Opening, and more.  Furthermore, we
had just begun to help to promote and
facilitate other charitable organizations
like the New Mexico Prestigious Divas.

To say that our team of interns is like a
family, is an understatement.  I am
famous for saying that I look for kind
people who love to dance- and I can
teach them the rest...and that’s what I
do.  Until a few weeks ago, we met for
training every Sunday, and it was like
coming to a family Sunday Dinner.  It fed all of our souls, and we helped each
other through everything.  We also
brought that same feeling of inclusion to our beloved students and supporters.

During this time of Covid-19, because of the nature of our business, we were the
first types of business to cancel our
events and close our doors.  
Unfortunately, we may also be one of
the last businesses to reopen.  We have a tough road ahead, but our main goal is to just get to the other side, and start
dancing again!  Any donations will be
used to pay the mortgage and utilities at my home studio, and help with any other business expenses.  I will also set aside
up to 30% of our donations to help our
interns directly.  My team means
everything to me and I always think of
them first.  It is now even more
important to make sure that they get
through this too.

Since our team is comprised of part-time interns and not employees, I am not
eligible for small business payroll loans
for the studio.  I also am not eligible for
unemployment.  Since I have had no
income at all since the middle of March, any donations to keep us going through
this tough period would be appreciated
more than you can imagine.  I have
dedicated 25 years to this profession,
and all I want to do is to be able to pick
up where I left off.  I can’t wait to have
my team and our students back to dance again!  I always said that my soul will die without dance!

I know that this is a very hard time for
many, many people.  Please give if you
can, but definitely do not give even a
penny if your livelihood is also at risk.  
My goal is to get back to giving back, and I would never take anything from
someone who needs it more than me.  
Please stay safe!