Save Leap of Faith Dance Studio

"Since 2004, Leap of Faith dance studio has given African American children an opportunity to be trained by instructors who look like them and understand their culture. But financial strain brought on by the coronavirus pandemic threatens its future."   -Columbus Dispatch, June 14, 2020

Click here to read full Columbus Dispatch article 

Leap of Faith is a Christian-based dance studio that began in a room at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church 16 years ago. Since 2004, the studio has served approximately 1,000 students.

To ensure students continued to have a creative outlet and connection to classmates during the pandemic, owner Crystal Boyce has been conducting classes, free of charge, via Zoom. In typical form, Crystal knew many parents were facing Covid-related financial difficulties and did not feel comfortable charging for the virtual classes. Her biggest concern was taking care of her students - making sure she was there for them and giving them some sense of normalcy during this uncertain time. 

Now, like many small businesses, the studio is facing serious financial challenges as a result of the pandemic.  LOF teachers went unpaid for their work on the Zoom classes, and $22,000 in unpaid studio rent has accumulated. (Note:  Crystal does not take a salary from LOF; she has a day job as a teacher at the Fair Avenue campus of A+ Arts Academy, a local charter school.)

Crystal applied for small-business loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program twice, but was denied assistance both times.  That's where this Go Fund Me campaign comes into play!

Leap of Faith is so much more than a place to learn dance, and Crystal is much, much more than a teacher.  The studio provides a safe, comfortable space, filled with love, while Ms. Crystal acts as a maternal figure, mentor, and cheerleader for her students. The children that pass through those doors know they are entering a judgment-free zone where they are part of a family that will accept and love them unconditionally. In the process, their confidence blooms, life-long bonds are formed, and dreams take flight.

Let's help ensure that this true gem of a black-owned, woman-owned small business remains in our community. Every donation, no matter the size, will make such a difference to Crystal, her teachers, and her precious students!

Thank you!

#SmallBusinessRelief