My parents always remind me of just how blessed we are and from a very young age made sure I knew how important it is to give back. We would often volunteer serving food at a local dining room that serves anyone in need in our community a hot, nutritious meal every day of the year. Especially on Easter, doing this has been a tradition since I was old enough to carry plates to tables. We also make brown bag lunches for kids that rely on free lunch at school who miss this service when school is out for summer break. Doing this, lead me to an organization that allows me to teach dance to kids every summer which I absolutely love!! There is nothing better than sharing my love of dance with kids in my community who might not be able to take dance without volunteers like me!

So, when we recently had historic flooding in my hometown of Baton Rouge, I immediately knew that I wanted to give back. So many people were giving to our community in general all of the things people will need to pick up the pieces following the flood- water, Gatorade, labor, cleaning supplies, food, etc. and I know that when things happen to me, as a dancer, I just want to dance. Dance helps me cope, helps me heal and helps me to express my emotions when words just won’t do. I wanted to help get people that love dance like I do back to dance as soon as they possibly can get in the studio, knowing that the last thing they or their parents will be thinking about is buying new dance clothes and shoes when their focus is rebuilding their home. So, I started collecting items from anyone that wanted to give and donating things of my own and my sister as well. Because of my relationship with Brown Girls Do Ballet, the owner of Ballet Victorian in Baton Rouge contacted my mom about partnering with Ballet Victorian for their “Stuff a Dance Bag” Initiative to support dance studios that flooded and their dancers. If you are reading this blog, I know that you love dance as much as I do! I hope that you consider making a donation of any kind! No donation is too big or too small. Thanks so much reading!!

Items can be sent to 1514 Stoneleigh Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Here is a list of suggested items: