DANCE INSTITUTE OF WASHINGTON INC
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : d*********t@d************e.o*g
Mission Statement
Dance Institute of Washington increases the inclusive and diverse representation at every level of the professional ballet and dance industries in Washington, DC. Through that exemplary effort, DIW impacts racial and economic equity in dance nationally and globally.
About This Cause
The Dance Institute of Washington increases the inclusivity and diverse representation at every level of professional classical concert dance and other dance industries, and through that exemplary effort, impacts racial and economic equity in dance nationally and globally. With evaluation driving its design, DIW serves as an evolving, responsive pipeline for many hundreds more dancers of all backgrounds to advance successfully into dance industries. DIW delivers on three core commitments: Artistic excellence: world-class relationship-based training, great teachers, and performance opportunities; Access, equity, inclusion: culturally competent, effective outreach, equitable community partnerships, and elimination of economic/social barriers to participation; Integral key services: dance health, nutrition, academic tutoring, life skills, mentoring, workforce development to address deficits in underserved populations pursuing a professional dance career or related fields. Fabian Barnes established DIW in 1987, after a career with Dance Theatre of Harlem, to provide DC youth the same opportunity DTH gave him. DIW has grown to be one of DC's largest African American arts organizations and a cultural resource. 2002, DIW launched its professional ensemble Washington Reflections. 2006, DIW opened its dance center in Columbia Heights. DIW offers arts education, workforce development and performances. Graduates go on to Harvard, Temple, Howard and SUNY Purchase; others enter careers with Suzanne Farrell Ballet, The Lion King, and DTH. Since 2016, Executive Director Kahina Haynes has led DIW forward, prioritizing partnership development, capacity building, refining programs, and fundraising. Major Accomplishments: For 33+ years, DIW has served the DC community; 43,000+ students served since the founding of DIW in 1987; 80% of DIW students receive scholarships or free programming; 95% of graduates complete high school and enter college or careers. Evidence of client and community support includes: major awards such as the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (2011) and Oprah’s Use Your Life Award (in 2000 awarded to founder Fabian Barnes); as well as enthusiastic support letters received from Mayor Bowser, DIW’s local ANC, Ward 1 Councilmember Nadeau, alumni, parents and students, which have helped DIW to secure funding. DTH and Alvin Ailey have recognized DIW with support letters indicating that DIW graduates are routinely accepted into advanced training and/or work opportunities with these entities. DIW receives positive support via its donor campaigns, satisfaction surveys, and social media reviews and engagement.