The Westfield School of Dance has been a staple of the Westfield, NJ community since 1997. Studio owner and beloved teacher Miss Joanne Carey has given so many students the opportunity to share their love of dance within her four walls, and I know I'm not alone when I say some of my fondest childhood memories were spent at the studio. Miss Joanne is a shining example of the importance of giving back between starting the inspirational Little Stars Program, the annual smaller-scale winter performance benefitting the Ronald McDonald House, and numerous dance scholarships to those less fortunate. Hers was also the first business to donate to Westfield’s 9-11 Fund. Now is our opportunity to give back so WSOD can continue for current and future generations of dancers.
As everyone is well-aware, the global COVID pandemic is crushing small businesses and unfortunately, the Westfield School of Dance is not immune to that. The studio immediately and successfully pivoted to a virtual model, relying on Zoom classes with innovative opportunities for older students to learn about media production, and even put a unique spin on the cumulative spring performance . WSOD is continuing this model into the 20-21 dance season, but faces the risk of losing the physical studio space, even with a generously discounted rent rate.
The funds raised here will go entirely towards covering the rent of the studio for the 10-month season. Maintaining the physical space helps create opportunities for small and safe in-person offerings during this difficult time, and ensures the studio can fully re-open it's doors when the time is right.
If you've danced at the Westfield School of Dance or know someone who has, please share your memories, share this page, and please consider donating! Every dollar counts and every kind word will mean the world to Miss Joanne and the rest of the WSOD staff. Please help save the studio!
-Kathryn Powell, former student
But don't just take my word; please enjoy the video below for testimonials from current students.
As everyone is well-aware, the global COVID pandemic is crushing small businesses and unfortunately, the Westfield School of Dance is not immune to that. The studio immediately and successfully pivoted to a virtual model, relying on Zoom classes with innovative opportunities for older students to learn about media production, and even put a unique spin on the cumulative spring performance . WSOD is continuing this model into the 20-21 dance season, but faces the risk of losing the physical studio space, even with a generously discounted rent rate.
The funds raised here will go entirely towards covering the rent of the studio for the 10-month season. Maintaining the physical space helps create opportunities for small and safe in-person offerings during this difficult time, and ensures the studio can fully re-open it's doors when the time is right.
If you've danced at the Westfield School of Dance or know someone who has, please share your memories, share this page, and please consider donating! Every dollar counts and every kind word will mean the world to Miss Joanne and the rest of the WSOD staff. Please help save the studio!
-Kathryn Powell, former student
But don't just take my word; please enjoy the video below for testimonials from current students.
Organizer and beneficiary
Joanne Carey
Beneficiary