Grants in Action recognizes the results of notable grant awards, whether large or small, and the significant impact they have on strengthening Greater Dayton and beyond.
Grant Helps Develop Emerging Dancers “Inside and Outside the Studio”
Pursuing a career in ballet after high school or college can be challenging for young dancers, many of whom need more training to advance their careers. To help bridge this gap, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance recently established the Dayton Ballet Studio Company, with a goal of helping emerging dancers attain membership in a professional company.
The Dayton Foundation supported this project in 2024 with a $30,000 discretionary grant from the Eleanor and John Kautz Fund, a field-of-interest endowment fund the donors established in 1990 before their passings. The Kautzes believed that the lives of all people are enriched by the arts and humanities.
“This experience is developing me into the best version of myself, both inside and outside the studio.”
– Amber Huggett, dancer for Dayton Ballet Studio Company
“We are grateful for this grant, which helped us to launch the Dayton Ballet Studio Company, led by Brandon Ragland, artistic director of the Ballet,” said Patrick J. Nugent, president and CEO of DPAA. Thanks in part to this generous support, seven dancers from across the country joined us to grow their careers!”
The dancers are trained by choreographers and stage managers and have performed with the Dayton Ballet in its productions of Coppelia, The Nutcracker and Cinderella. They will finish the 2024-2025 season with a repertoire show titled Pointes of View. DPAA’s Studio Company is tuition-free and provides performance stipends and funds for pointe shoes, benefits that aren’t offered in most ballet apprentice companies.
“Everything, from the company environment to the performance opportunities, has exceeded my expectations and left me feeling proud to be part of this company. The program has helped me strengthen my performance quality, stamina and professionalism,” said Amber Huggett, a Studio Company member who previously trained with the Nashville Ballet. “This experience is developing me into the best version of myself, both inside and outside the studio.”