Rwanda Dance Studio Receives In-Kind Donation From New Jersey Retailer

July 11, 2011 - PRLog -- WESTWOOD, NJ, July 11th, 2011: The Sock Company, an apparel store in Westwood, NJ, has made a substantial donation of dance shoes and leotards, for the benefit of the students of Ballet Rwanda, a dance studio that works with children and adults of all backgrounds in Kigali, Rwanda.

Closing a retail location in Westwood, New Jersey, to focus on online sales, The Sock Company was selling their merchandise at reduced rates when a customer told them about Ballet Rwanda’s growing student base and their need for leotards, as well as ballet, jazz, and tap shoes.  Employees Rick and Richard helped facilitate the donation of large quantities of new, brand-name items to these specifications.   The only cost to the studio will be being the shipping of the merchandise to the Kigali studio location.  Donations to this end can be given online at http://www.BalletRwanda.com.

The students of Ballet Rwanda are from mixed backgrounds – some with substantial means, and some without any ability to pay tuition.   Much of Ballet Rwanda’s work relies on philanthropic support from those interested in seeing the healing power of dance reach youth and adults in Kigali.  In-kind donations such as studio space and dance apparel help make Ballet Rwanda’s efforts possible.   For more information on the studio or on this generous donation, please contact Molly McPherson at molly@balletrwanda.com or +1 (707) 360-7402.


ABOUT BALLET RWANDA:

Ballet Rwanda is a dance studio in Kigali, Rwanda, founded with the desire to bring art to everyone, especially those who had never before had the chance to express themselves through creativity.  

Dance is primal, natural, and intrinsic. Its powers are therapeutic, inspiring, and relational - all vital to a people who were so devastatingly wrecked just 17 years ago. Investing in Rwanda’s future, while preserving the traditions of the past, can only be fruitful.  Over 70% of Rwanda’s population is under 30 years of age. The country is filled with orphaned youth and children. The lack of resources, creative in particular, is serious.

Ballet Rwanda was opened by New Jersey native Caroline Joan Peixoto in 2009 as one means by which creative potential of Rwandese youth can flourish.  Ms. Peixoto is a classically trained ballerina who has been dancing and performing for over 18 years. She apprenticed under Marcella Contessi from the Theatro Lirico di Milano and has danced at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She studied Social Psychology at Thomas Edison State College. Her dream is to one day have an arts center where children and adults can come to experiment with any medium.

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Ballet Rwanda's mission is to invest in the development of arts in Rwanda through dance. Its goal is to encourage and motivate creativity in children.