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Let's Help Our Young Dancer In This Difficult Time

Tax deductible
To the DC Hand Dance Community, Swing Dance Community , Classical Dance Community, Friends and Family of Marya-Montez Wallace, and those with caring hearts

On behalf of the National Hand Dance Association (NHDA) we hope this message finds you well, as the Holiday Season is upon us. We are reaching out to you to share some news about a member of our community who is currently facing challenging health and educational circumstances.

Many of you may know NHDA member Marya-Montez Wallace. Marya and her mother Darlene have been members and supporters of the National Hand Dance Association for over 15 years. For those who are not familiar with hand dance, it is a swing style partner dance that is indigenous to Washington, DC. This 60-year traditional dance is the “Official Dance of the District of Columbia” (by Resolution of the DC Council, 2007)

21-year-old Marya has been Hand Dancing since she was 5 years-old. She began her hand dancing experience under the dance instruction of world-renowned hand dancers Markus Smith and Trendolyn Veal. Marya was extremely talented at dance as a 5-year-old, and it was stated by Markus that she could follow any dance move given to her. As Marya grew into the dance, she began to win and place in major swing dance competitions at the age of 8. At the age of 10, she danced with swing dance legends from the historic Savoy Ballroom days such as George Sullivan, Dawn Hampton, and choreographer Chester Whitmore. Also, at the age of 10, she began to instruct hand dance classes for youth at special events such as at the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. As Marya continued to dance, she began learning other dance styles such as Ballet, Classical Dance and African Dance instructed through the Dance Institute of Washington. Today, Marya is a student at Temple University in Philadelphia majoring in Theater Arts. There is so much more to Marya as a young talent and a young lady. She is a social activist and volunteers whenever and wherever she is needed.

It is with sadness that Marya has now been diagnosed with Endometriosis in an advanced stage. Cysts have formed outside of her uterus. Some of the cysts have broken off and pieces are traveling throughout her bloodstream into her brain area. She is in constant pain and discomfort, as well as experiencing dizziness and losing consciousness.

Marya must have surgery. She is under the care of a New York specialist in Endometriosis. Her surgery must take place in Connecticut. The out-of-pocket cost of the surgery and continued college tuition add more financial and personal strain on both Marya and her mother, Darlene.

While it is very important for Marya to have this surgery, she is so concerned about her graduating from college in Spring 2025. She is so passionate about continuing her studies toward graduation, that she completed the majority of her last semester from a hospital bed. Marya was two points away from making the Dean’s List. The doctor was impressed with her devotion to her education in spite of her severe medical condition.

NHDA has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate some of the financial stress. Marya wants the funds to go towards her tuition at Temple University. Our goal is to raise $35,000 or more to support her tuition and dorm, post-operation transportation and hotel for medical follow ups during this time, as well as other needed expenses related to Marya’s day to day living.

As NHDA is a 501(c3) non-profit organization, your donation is tax deductible if donated no later than December 31, 2023. If you donate after December 2023, your donation will be tax deductible for FY 2024. We understand that times are tough for everyone, but any contribution, no matter how large or small, would make a world of difference during this trying time. Your thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes are equally valuable and greatly appreciated.

We are eternally grateful for your love, support, and understanding. Together, we can make a difference helping Marya-Montez Wallace and her mother Darlene through this challenging time.


The National Hand Dance Association
Jacque Ballard, President
“The Mission of the National Hand Dance Association
is to Preserve, Educate and Promote the Art Form of Hand Dance”
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Donations 

  • Anthony J Bradford Sr
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Dolores Parran
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Sandra Bell
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Patricia Mitchell
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 1 yr
Donate

Organizer

Jacque Ballard
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
The National Hand Dance Association
Beneficiary

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