Leveling The Performing Field 2026 End Of Year Impact Summary
The academic year is winding down, but our excitement for what lies ahead is amping up! Amid our changing landscape, SCF’s children’s programming continues to shine brightly for the next generation of this community’s performing artists. Not to brag, but it is worth giving a shout out! We’re excited to let education be fun again. Let’s take a closer look at what we accomplished this year.
By now, you have heard us talk about Leveling the Performing Field. If you are new here, don’t worry—we'll fill you in. Leveling the Performing Field (LPF) is a component of the Afterschool Excellence Network, an initiative created by Johns Hopkins University which strives to provide opportunities for high-achieving, underrepresented students and decrease drop-out rates. In a nutshell, the program helps keep young children from dropping out of school.
In partnership with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, SCF leads the performing arts element by introducing students to the fundamentals of dance. Professional ballet instruction is made accessible to interested students to develop the skills needed for advancement in local magnet schools, including the Governors School for the Arts. One of our dancers was previously accepted into Old Donation’s gifted dance program, and three more were given an amazing opportunity this spring!
So, how did we do this year? We are glad you asked...
- Our partnership with Ballet Virginia continued into the 2025-2026 academic year. We served students at three Title I schools—2nd through 5th grade. LPF is about the impact. These girls and boys are taking their first steps on the path to career readiness in the performing arts; we are supporting them for years to come. Instructors kept students engaged, met them where they were, and encouraged self-expression.
- Thanks to our Board members’ involvement, we provided everything needed for student success: ALL dance attire, dance bags for each child, and energizing snacks. Children need to eat; and active children especially need fuel to pursue their passions.
- LPF students attended two matinee performances this year: “The Nutcracker” and “Alice in Wonderland” performed by Ballet Virginia’s company at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. All ticket costs were covered by the Foundation. Three of our students were cast in “Alice in Wonderland” and skillfully danced alongside the professionals!
We dug our heels in and got the job done. It was all worth it, as each class performed choreographed end-of-the-year routines for their families and teachers.
Now it’s your turn! Supporting LPF today gives a young dancer the tools they need for a successful future. Don’t wait; give a gift today.
We extend our thanks to current donors and invite you to take part in enriching our youth’s creativity!
