Leveling The Performing Field End Of Year Impact Summary

We know that we are in changing times. Let’s take a moment to celebrate something positive! As we approach the end of the academic year, we are excited to share what we’ve been up to. We don’t often pat ourselves on the back, but the accomplishments of our children’s programming, which serves the next generation of performers and community members, saw a great year!

Leveling the Performing Field is a shining example of the Excellence Project, an initiative designed by Johns Hopkins University and implemented by Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). It seeks to identify high-achieving students from underrepresented groups and provide them with opportunities for success through graduation.

SCF spearheads the performing arts component in partnership with VBCPS. We work with professional dancers to provide in-school ballet instruction, the foundation of all modern dance, for interested students within the Excellence Project. Our goal is to develop the skill level students need for acceptance into City magnet schools or the Governors School for the Arts.

We are thrilled to share a moment of celebration: a gifted young dancer was recently accepted into Old Donation School’s gifted dance program!

So, what did we accomplish this year?

• In the 2024-25 school year, we partnered again with Ballet Virginia. We served close to 100 students at four Title I schools. Instructors helped kids build confidence, instill teamwork, and inspire relationships.

• We provided kids with all the tools needed to be successful including: all attire (leotards, tights, pants, shirts, shoes, and skirts), dance bags, and nutritious snacks. We extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to our board members who assisted with these efforts!

• LPF students attended a matinee performance of Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker in December. Tickets were paid for by the Foundation.

It’s amazing what a vision, dedicated staff and board members, excellent organizational design, and a little elbow grease can achieve!

Supporting LPF today makes you part of a young dancer’s future. Don’t wait, they need you now.

This program is partially sponsored by PRA Group and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. We would like to thank our current donors and invite you to join our family of supporters. 

Celebrate

...the highest number of students served since our pilot year!

Hope

...that more children are encouraged to pursue opportunities at local magnet schools and gifted education programs.

Dream

...of seeing them on stage in the next decade of dance.

Here’s a word from our Programs Coordinator, ArLynn:

"I had the opportunity to see LPF’s final classes and performances for the program. Our largest class performed a choreographed routine and when I say there were phones up, videos being recorded left and right, and a room full of smiling families...it really is a testament to the students’ progress this year. Where these children were timid and just getting used to their dancewear back in October, now they are buzzing with excitement to show off everything they’ve learned. This is why we do what we do."