D2D IN ACTION!
Since 2023...
31
partner organizations across NINE states and two countries
1,400+
pounds of clothing upcycled instead of sent to a landfill
2,200+
items rehomed, including 570 pairs of shoes
$151,000+
worth of items repurposed
Mission
Dressed to Dance was established in 2023 to increase access to dance by eliminating some of the barriers to participation. We provide dancewear and costumes–which can be prohibitively expensive–to young Chicago dancers who need them.
Dancing is a creative, expressive, fun medium that’s also great exercise! Participating in classes brings many young people unforgettable personal development opportunities, memories, skills, and confidence that lasts a lifetime. However, many classes, such as ballet, require special clothing and shoes, which can be prohibitively expensive–especially when combined with the cost of the classes themselves.
Additionally, competitions, recitals and performances often require the purchase of expensive costumes, many of which are never used again. By recycling these garments, we are not only providing opportunities for dance to people who might not otherwise have them, but we are eliminating clothing waste.
PARTNERS
Movement Strengthens Balance Dance is a studio in Chicago's Morgan Park community creating the opportunity for the youth to use dance as an escape, a release and provides structure.
The goal is to inspire their community with dance education and focus on performance opportunities that will motivate, educate, and develop an appreciation of the fine arts.
Dance Peace is a Chicago initiative where refugee children and families in areas of social tension integrate peacefully into their communities through dance.
En Las Tablas Performing Arts (ELTPA) is a nonprofit community arts organization established in Chicago in 2006 to offer children and adults from the Hermosa Neighborhood, and surrounding communities, affordable access to an array of performing arts classes and professional artistic training opportunities.
KIPP Chicago consists of eight schools educating more than 3,600 students in grades K-8 from the South and West Sides of Chicago.
Teatro Tariakuri provides a spotlight for underrepresented voices to express themselves, to be seen, and understood. Based in Chicago's Southwest side, they are dedicated to producing Spanish-language productions for Chicago’s Mexican American immigrant community
Akanksha Education Fund supports initiatives to improve access to high-quality education for children in India from low-income communities in India, and create pathways out of poverty for them through a transformative education.
The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is a historic nonprofit performing arts organization located in Chicago. Founded in 1971, it is dedicated to the education, promotion, and presentation of dance.
Synapse Arts is a dance-theater company based in Chicago. They present professional performances, teach classes to children and adults, and mentor emerging artists. All of their work supports women and LGBTQIA+ artists.
Chocolate Ballerina Company is a contemporary community-based dance organization, that supports the hidden talents in youth and adult artists of color in the Philadelphia region.
Special Gifts Theatre's programs foster self-confidence, social, speech and language skills in individuals with disabilities in the northern suburbs of Chicago. They work as a community to use educational and therapeutic techniques with the stage as the platform integrating creativity and fun.
The mission of Dance Avondale is to provide the highest quality of dance education and dance performance opportunities for the Albany Park community in Chicago through access, equity, and excellence in instruction.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the fourth-largest school district in the United States, operating over 600 district-run and charter schools serving hundreds of thousands of students.
The Detroit School of Arts , located in Midtown Detroit, is a long-established school known for award-winning programs in visual arts, music, theater, dance, and more. It combines strong faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse, collaborative community to help students develop their talent and grow into well-rounded individuals.
Flip the Switch 529, based in Detroit, aims to build a global community where people from diverse backgrounds connect through cultural exchange, giving creatives, and visionaries a platform to share their talents and stories. It honors African, Indigenous, and futuristic heritage through intergenerational collaboration, creating inclusive, anti-racist spaces that inspire creativity and empower authentic expression.
The Andrea Mychaels Performing Arts Foundation is based in Philadelphia and honors Andrea's lifelong dedication to the arts by raising funds to provide scholarships and financial support to emerging performing artists.
Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts is a human services organization in Chicago's North Lawndale area that improves the lives of underprivileged youth and families through programs in community engagement, education, employment, family services, health equity, and youth services.
Sky-High Twirl & Dance is a nonprofit studio in Pennsylvania dedicated to developing confident, disciplined, and motivated young athletes through baton twirling and dance. Their mission goes beyond technique. They aim to build character, leadership, teamwork, and lifelong confidence while keeping it affordable for all families.
Ashley J's Dance Center is a creative hub where dancers of all ages come together to learn, perform, and grow. Founded with a vision to make dance accessible, low-commitment, fun, and inspiring, AJDC offers programs for kids, teens, adults, and the entire Austin community in Chicago.