PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Institute of Arts (NIA) started the new school year the last week of August with the third annual collaboration between the Bronxville Ballet NOT FOR SALE, director Ana Dimas and Arts Saves Lives’ director Nicole de Weever. Director of NIA, Arlene Halley, is very humbled that these prominent ladies have selected NIA for their 3rd annual contribution to the Princesses Program. In the last 3 years, they have sponsored the classes for 70 first-time ballerinas, between the ages of 3 and 9 years old, to take ballet class once a week at no cost inclusive of each child receiving a ballerina dress to complement the ballet attire.
NIA Director adds: we are extremely proud of the fact that this initiative has cemented a student base for the school; that we have been able to entice students as well as parents to continue with classes after the free introductory year. It is proving to be a sustainable investment in the Arts on St. Maarten producing through its continuity a level-based structured program for the ballerinas.
The vision and motivation of Ms. Ana are best encapsulated as follows: 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”.
This school year Ms. Ana has donated 50 dresses to NIA, the participating “princesses” have already received their lilac-colored dresses for this year which they joyfully sport every class. The program sported pink dresses in the first year, and blue in the second year. For the recital in June they all performed to the live music of NIA’s Chamber Orchestra playing “Blue Danube”, this was quite an emotional experience said Ms. Halley; to see the in-house artists of both the music and the dance program collaborating, a dream come true!
It is with heartfelt gratitude that NIA thanks the Bronx Ballet NOT FOR SALE and Art Saves Lives organizations for once again this wonderful initiative towards our St. Maarten children and for promoting the Art and benefits of Ballet. Joy and Magic in children’s lives are never redundant!
