Meet Barre Belle for August's #SpotlightOnCLT

Meet Barre Belle for SHARE Charlotte's #SpotlightOnCLT Black Philanthropy Month

August is Black Philanthropy Month (BPM). Black Philanthropy Month is held every August as a global celebration of African-descent giving. It culminates with a giving day on August 28th (Give 8/28). Locally in Charlotte, BPM is led by NGAAP to observe, celebrate, and advocate.

SHARE Charlotte has more than 130 Black-led and Black-benefitting nonprofit organizations on our site. Each month, we choose a cause (one that may be close to your heart) in order to highlight nonprofits, their stories, and their work. We call this #SpotlightOnCLT.

This month's presenting partner helping us highlight Black Philanthropy Month is Barre Belle, a local organization that provides free ballet, creative movement, and yoga classes to students in underserved communities.

We are so grateful for their support of #SpotlightOnCLT. We got the chance to sit down with Barre Belle and wanted to share some of their incredible story with you. We hope you read, share, and engage with Barre Belle as they support the efforts of their mission and those around them.

Could you please share with Charlotte why you are excited to sponsor August’s# SpotlightOnCLT Black Philanthropy Month, helping us amplify not only your story but the stories of other nonprofits in this cause?

Barre Belle is thrilled to support and promote the incredible work of African-American led nonprofits that uplift the community and provide essential services, enhancing the lives and aspirations of those they serve. Together, we are a catalyst for change, empowering our community by highlighting the wisdom, strength and resilience of our culture to meet the needs of our people.

Ujima, one of the principles of Kwanzaa, emphasizes collective work and responsibility, focusing on working together to address community issues. These nonprofits embody this principle by coming together to address the needs of others daily.

Could you please share with us some stories or surprising facts about Barre Belle that would like Charlotteans to know?

At Barre Belle, we believe every child deserves the chance to dance. We provide universal access to ballet, teaching essential life skills like discipline, cognitive development, creativity, teamwork, mindfulness, and self-confidence. Our inclusive and culturally enriching programs eliminate barriers by bringing the studio to the students, covering the cost for tuition, transportation, and attire.

Research shows that students, especially those from underrepresented communities, excel academically after joining ballet classes. We offer classes at five locations throughout the academic year through our community partners; The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte, Charlotte Community Services Association and a new location this fall, at the Renaissance West Community Initiative.

Throughout the summer, we offer dance workshops through Freedom School Partners. Barre Belle has a one-week Summer Arts Camp at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Women and Children’s Shelter. We partner with Upcycle Arts and Cola Boys Catering to provide dance classes, art workshops and healthy snack prep classes. Our catering partner also provides lunch for the participants.

Do you have any upcoming events or major fundraising galas that you would like to share?

Our annual Holiday Fundraising Brunch will be on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 (Noon –3PM) at the Twin Mills Club, Denver, NC. Our festive event includes entertainment, delicious food and raffles. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase on November 1st on our website barrebelleballet.org.

If a Charlottean was to volunteer with your program, what would that look like and what impact can they have on your organization?

In 2025 we plan to create a Community Board. The Community Board will report to the Community Outreach chairs on our Board of Directors. These volunteers will meet quarterly and provide information to our Board on the perception of Barre Belle and how we can better engage with the communities where we provide service. We would like these volunteers to live in the communities that are served by our partners.

We plan to expand the Board of Directors. Our Board is a working Board and is active in securing donors, planning fundraising activities, events and representing Barre Belle in the greater community.

Stories

Some call it stories. Others call it a blog. But here you will find nuggets of goodness to use and -- you guessed it -- SHARE!