Dear Friends of DeFore Dance Center,

As most of you know, DeFore Dance Center is losing the lease of its current facility and faces the necessity of finding alternative space. Since this predicament has been made public, we have experienced a wonderful outpouring of concern and willingness to help from the members of the DeFore community.

DeFore Dance Center has touched the lives of thousands of dancers since it opened in Orange County in 1978. Generations of children have taken their first jetés at DeFore and have grown to participate in competitive performing groups. Young adults have honed their skills and mature adults have continued to nurture their love of dance. DeFore has served as the platform for numerous community outreach programs, including free dance classes to children in connection with the Orange County Imagination Celebration, providing scholarships to committed young dancers with professional aspirations, hosting emerging dance companies and donating to other non-profits to help them with their mission.

As dancers or as friends or family of dancers, you understand the importance DeFore has played in the lives of so many people. You also understand the need for a community to integrate the arts into the day-to-day lives of its members. Unfortunately, the feasibility of offering dance in Orange County is diminishing as real estate becomes an ever-scarcer commodity and prices escalate. Without your help, DeFore Dance Center could become one of a growing number of dance institutions closed due to a lack of affordable studio space.

It is my vision, and that of the DeFore Foundation for the Arts, to establish a permanent facility that would provide dance space to the community in perpetuity. This vision will involve the purchase of either the building in which we are currently located, or a similarly suitable building in the general vicinity.

The building will be owned by the DeFore Foundation, a non-profit foundation charged with the mission of providing instruction and facilities, sponsoring public performances, providing scholarships and aid for artists and providing community outreach via the arts. In this facility, we will continue to offer our current curriculum and hope to integrate Pilates, musical theatre classes and classes for exceptional children.

We intend to introduce new and innovative training as the arts world expands. We have some remarkable leaders in Leann Alduenda, Director, Wendy Thomas, Secretary / Treasurer, Chris Baltes, scholarship director and many fine teachers. We have a dedicated and excited Board of Directors. We will be adding 2 seats on the Board.

In order to accomplish this purchase, I estimate that the Foundation will require $850,000, which will cover a down payment and building improvements. Current cash flow from studio operations should be adequate to cover mortgage payments. The Foundation, together with a committee of concerned volunteers, is implementing fund raising efforts to raise the needed money. All funds will be held in a Capital Improvements Fund on behalf of the DeFore Foundation and will be used for no purpose other than the purchase or improvement of facilities.

We earnestly request your help in achieving our goal. A contribution of any amount will be greatly appreciated. If all of our friends and dancers contribute to the best of their ability, we will have a chance to make a historical and enduring contribution to the health and longevity of dance in Orange County.

Please make your contribution or pledge as soon as possible. We have a very short window of opportunity. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
   Gloria DeFore