Save IAF!

*See donation tier breakdown below

Dear friends, IAF family and dance community

It is with a heavy heart but one full of hope that I write this message. Like so many small studio owners, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unforeseen challenges, new obstacles, and has forced us to temporarily shut our doors. Today, with Los Angeles being one of the hardest hit areas and the pandemic still raging on, it pains me to announce that this has led to the closure of our IAF Compound.

MY STORY:

When I first moved to Los Angeles eight years ago to compete on So You Think You Can Dance, I was inspired not only by the talent that is attracted to LA, but also the diverse and supportive dance community that I was becoming a part of. Knowing that not all dancers could afford private academies, I created IAF with the intention of helping young dancers find their passion and to help older dancers forge their unique talents into artistry. Two years ago, I opened the IAF Compound in North Hollywood to provide a safe and welcoming space for dancers to explore their own creativity, refine their technique, and collaborate with one another. It has been a journey filled with so much love and passion that I have poured just as much of my heart and soul into IAF as you all have.

COVID IMPACT:

Before COVID-19 hit, I decided to invest in a new state of the art sprung flooring system by Harlequin Floors. For me, this immense financial undertaking was an important step towards being a responsible studio owner. Unfortunately, it has added to the mounting financial burdens this pandemic has brought on.

As a result I have no choice but to let go of the current space. While the IAF Compound will be officially closing its doors in September, I am doing everything in my power to keep my vision for this brand alive. In a last effort to save IAF, I decided to downsize to a smaller, more affordable space for the time being, in hopes that we can continue providing the dance community with classes and programs. 

THE ASK:

I am turning to the most extraordinary people I know. You who inspire me. You who collaborate with me. You who grow with me. And you who make this all possible. In launching this campaign, I am hoping to not only recuperate from the financial losses IAF has experienced, but to open our doors even wider for our dance community to recover in the months to come. My hope is that this campaign will allow us to continue to create, educate and inspire! Despite the uncertainty of the future, the IAF Team has remained committed to our mission of providing high-quality dance training and a creative outlet. We are continuing to develop new ways of reaching our dancers through our online platform, IAF Prime. With our new, downsized location, we will be able to film and produce content for dancers. It will also provide dancers with a space to return to their craft once the pandemic has passed. 

The future of the IAF is at stake, but I have faith that with your support, we will be able to see this through. Any donation, no matter the amount, would be greatly and sincerely appreciated. Every single donation will get us one step closer to opening our doors.

OUR GOAL:

Our goal is to raise $155,000.

This number largely reflects our operational costs and monetary loss as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, it reflects the funds needed to support our promise to the dance community:

IAF PLEDGE:

If we reach our goal of raising $155,000,  IAF pledges to be the first LA dance studio to offer free dance training for all  dancers who donate to our cause.*
*See donation tier breakdown below

Our mission is to use this campaign as a means to support dancers that can’t afford classes and quality training due to months of being out of work. 

As we receive your support, we feel it is imperative to do our part in giving back and helping the dance community get back on its feet.

I want to thank everyone who has stood by IAF during these difficult times. I will continue to work tirelessly on maintaining IAF as a stronghold for creativity and artistry within the dance community. Your support means the world to me and I hope that I can continue to pay it forward.

With the utmost gratitude,

Chehon Wespi-Tschopp


EXPENSE BREAKDOWN:

LOSS: $73,253 (INCLUDES RENT, UTILITIES, STAFF AND TEACHER PAY DURING 5 MONTHS OF SHUT DOWN)

MONTHLY EXPENSES: $18,700 / MONTH (INCLUDES RENT, UTILITIES, STAFF AND TEACHER PAY)


DONATION BREAKDOWN: 

*Complimentary class cards include IAF OPEN MASTER CLASSES

*All classes, including IAF OPEN MASTER CLASSES, are redeemable through December 31, 2021


Up to $99 Donation:

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET: Complimentary 1 month class card


$100 Donation: 

GUARANTEED: Complimentary 1 month class card (Up to 12 free classes)

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET:  Complimentary 2 month class card (Up to 24 free classes)


$300 Donation: 

GUARANTEED: Complimentary 2 month class card (Up to 24 free classes)

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET: Complimentary 3 month class card (Up to 36 free classes)


$500 Donation:

GUARANTEED:
- Complimentary 2 month class card (Up to 24 free classes)
- Priority registration for all IAF Master classes- Redeemable until December 2021

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET: 
- Complimentary 3 month class card (Up to 36 free classes)
- Priority registration for all IAF Master classes- Redeemable until December 2021


$1,000 Donation: 

GUARANTEED:
- FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO DONATE AT THIS TIER WILL RECEIVE PRIVATE MASTER CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR IAF  CHOREOGRAPHERS
- Complimentary 2 month class card (Up to 24 free classes)
- Priority registration in all IAF master classes- Redeemable until December 2021

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET:
- FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO DONATE AT THIS TIER WILL RECEIVE PRIVATE MASTER CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR IAF CHOREOGRAPHERS
- Complimentary 3 month class card (Up to 36 free classes)
- Priority registration in all IAF master classes- Redeemable until December 2021


$2,500 Donation: 

GUARANTEED:
- NAME ADDED TO OUR DONOR RECOGNITION WALL, DISPLAYED IN OUR NEW STUDIO SPACE
- FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO DONATE AT THIS TIER WILL RECEIVE PRIVATE MASTER CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR IAF CHOREOGRAPHERS
- Complimentary 2 month class card (Up to 24 free classes)
- Priority registration in all IAF master classes- Redeemable until December 2021
- One VIP ticket to any IAF performance or showcase for the 2020/2021 season

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET:
- NAME ADDED TO OUR DONOR RECOGNITION WALL, DISPLAYED IN OUR NEW STUDIO SPACE
- FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO DONATE AT THIS TIER WILL RECEIVE PRIVATE MASTER CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR IAF CHOREOGRAPHERS
-Complimentary 3 month class card (Up to 36 free classes)
-Priority registration in all IAF master classes- Redeemable until December 2021
-One VIP ticket to any IAF performance or showcase for the 2020/2021 season


$5,000 Donation:

GUARANTEED:
- NAME ADDED TO OUR DONOR RECOGNITION WALL, DISPLAYED IN OUR NEW STUDIO SPACE
- FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO DONATE AT THIS TIER WILL RECEIVE PRIVATE MASTER CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR IAF CHOREOGRAPHERS
- Complimentary 2 month class card (Up to 24 free classes)- Redeemable until December 2021
- Priority registration in all IAF master classes- Redeemable until December 2021
- Two VIP tickets to any IAF performance or showcase for the 2020/2021 season
- Private studio tour with IAF Director Chehon prior to re-opening

IF WE REACH OUR GOAL, YOU GET:
-NAME ADDED TO OUR DONOR RECOGNITION WALL, DISPLAYED IN OUR NEW STUDIO SPACE
-FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO DONATE AT THIS TIER WILL RECEIVE PRIVATE MASTER CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR IAF CHOREOGRAPHERS
- Complimentary 3 month class card (Up to 36 free classes)- Redeemable until December 2021
- Priority registration in all IAF master classes- Redeemable until December 2021
- Two VIP tickets to any IAF performance or showcase for the 2020/2021 season
- Private studio tour with IAF Director Chehon prior to re-opening


If you wish to donate above our listed donation tiers, please reach out to us at admin @ iamforce . com  to receive information on our elite donor packages.