Capezio donates 1,000 pairs of ballet slippers

Boston Dance Alliance receives 1,000 pairs of ballet shoes for dancers in needBoston Dance Alliance has received a gift of 1,000 pairs of new ballet slippers from Capezio Ballet Makers, Inc., to distribute to financially disadvantaged dancers. 

 

Estimated at $25,000, the Capezio gift is the first direct corporate donation to Boston Dance Alliance’s three-year-old Dancewear Distribution program, which provides new dance clothing and shoes to financially disadvantaged dancers across the Boston community. This program, a partnership with generous New England dance retailers, has provided more than $36,000 worth of new dance shoes, tights, tees and dance accessories in its first two years.

 

“Capezio’s support makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission to help every person, regardless of financial circumstances, experience the joy of dancing,” said Boston Dance Alliance Executive Director Debra Cash. “Capezio is a brand every dancer recognizes and we are thrilled with this wonderful gift.” 

 

Lisa A. Giacoio Egan, president of the Capezio Dance Foundation, said, “Since 1952, Capezio/Ballet Makers Dance Foundation has made significant contributions to dance in the United States. Our work includes preserving the legacy of the past and encouraging new and emerging talents, trends and practice. It is with deep appreciation to Boston Dance Alliance that we are able to make this donation to further that work.”

 

This year, Boston Dance Alliance is planning two distributions, one ballet-themed and a later one featuring shoes and clothing for a variety of dance genres. Organizations interested in helping to distribute the dancewear must register online by November 1, 2017. Distribution of the Capezio gift will be announced in November.

 

Milla, a 16-year-old dancer at Tony Williams Ballet, received a 2016 Boston Dance Alliance Dancewear Distribution donation. She said, “Dance is a very expensive sport and it is not easy to pay for new pointe shoes as often as they are needed. I am very involved in many dance classes, and performance opportunities which require many different styles of shoes, tights and leotards.  I am so grateful to have the donations because otherwise my family would not be able to afford all the supplies that dance requires.”

 

For more information, visit www.bostondancealliance.org.

 

Photo courtesy of Boston Dance Alliance.