Fairfield County may have that reputation for being an area of privilege. But despite the stereotype, life isn’t always easy-access, problem-free, get-everything-you-want for many people.
One dance school in Wilton has made a commitment to offer financial aid to children who want to dance but can’t necessarily afford to pay for classes. Michelle Sperry, the owner of Fleur de Lis Dance Academy, has tried to extend her program to families in the community who want to send their children to dance lessons but struggle financially. Last year she offered more than $48,000 in full and partial scholarships, and said the school’s mission is “no dancer left behind.”
“Last summer, we began offering free weekly dance lessons at Norwalk Library. Classes quickly grew from 13 dancers in a class to 37 dancers in a class in just four weeks. After recognizing the large demand for free dance classes and being inspired by all the joy in all the faces of kids who enjoyed the free dance classes, Fleur de Lis Academy created the ‘Together We Dance Project,‘ to begin offering full and partial scholarships.”
Last year Fleur de Lis distributed financial aid applications through the Norwalk public schools and also offered open auditions to area families. More than 200 families applied, and over 100 dancers auditioned. Ultimately, Together We Dance Project offered 76 scholarships and 40 families accepted, mainly from Wilton, Weston and Norwalk.
Fleur de Lis is currently conducting auditions for the 2014-15 dance season, and the last set of auditions are this Saturday, May 31 from 1-8 p.m., based on age and grade.
Sperry said that she welcomes boys and girls of all ages (pre-k through 12th grade), and no experience is necessary. Financial aid is available for all the classes Fleur de Lis runs, from Mommy and Me and pre-Ballet through high school. There is an application that Sperry asks applicants to complete and information is available on the academy’s website. There is a $10 fee (credited to any uniform cost). In addition, applicants can pre-register by emailing Sperry with the dancer’s name, age, grade in school and time of audition.
“I want to do what I can to ensure that someone who wants to dance and can’t because of financial obstacles is given the opportunity to realize that dream,” Sperry said.
Fleur de Lis is located at 27 Danbury Rd. in Wilton.
We are so exited to welcome new families and their dancers!