PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Institute of Arts (NIA) kicked off the new school year 2021-2022 in September once again with a very special collaboration between the Bronxville Ballet NOT FOR SALE (BBNFS), director Ana Dimas and Arts Saves Lives’ director Nicole de Weever. “For the second time Ms. Dumas selects NIA for this beautiful program” says Director of NIA, Arlene Halley.
The Bronxville Ballet NOT FOR SALE is Ana Dimas’ nonprofit foundation that takes its name from the notion that the best things in life are indeed, NOT FOR SALE. The best things in life should be given away.
In Ana’s desire to give back to the community, she is collaborating with studios around the world offering the joy of Ballet to those in need or with special needs, the hope of Ana’s program is of having the girls learn new skills, gain a positive self-image and have a chance be a “princess”.
Last year Ana not only sponsored 10 classes for the students but with the assistance of Nicole de Weever, NIA received nothing less than 25 “Princess” dresses, custom-made, and hand delivered from New York by Nicole de Weever.
The response this year has been so overwhelming, once the class was posted to NIA’s Facebook page, that Art Saves Lives, Ms. Nicole de Weever, will match Ms. Dimas’ donation and support the classes until the month of December. An extra 26 dresses have been donated by Ms. Ana bringing the total to 46 ballerinas
The participating “princesses” receive their dresses when they sign up which they joyfully sport every class. Due to the COVID-19 prevention measures the students are split into 3 classes: 3-5 years, 5-7, and 7-9 years old. Last year Ms. Arlene announced excitedly to the donors the enrollment of four additional ‘prince charming’.
Through these kinds of donations, NIA will be able to continue ballet classes free of charge for 46 young ballerinas from 3 years to 9 years old until December 2021. NIA hopes that more benefactors will come forward and support these efforts until the end of the school year. Donations can be made to NIA by contacting the school at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
It is with heartfelt gratitude that NIA would like to thank the Bronx Ballet NOT FOR SALE and Art Saves Lives, Ana and Nicole, for the continuance of this wonderful initiative towards our St. Maarten children and for promoting the art and benefits of Ballet especially in these difficult times when it is so needed to bring some joy to the little ones and a touch of Magic.