Westfield Dance School Starts GoFundMe To Survive Amid Pandemic

WESTFIELD, NJ — Kathryn Powell, a former student of the Westfield School of Dance, was concerned when she heard the 23-year-old business may close amid the coronavirus pandemic. "I know I'm not alone when I say some of my fondest childhood memories were spent at the studio," she wrote recently on a GoFundMe page.

She organized the fundraiser to help the small business survive. As of Tuesday it had amassed more than $12,500 among its $42,000 goal.

Powell said the school has pivoted to on-line classes, but is having trouble paying the rent, even at a reduced rate. The fundraiser will cover 10 months of rent.

Powell wrote on the page, "The Westfield School of Dance has been a staple of the Westfield, NJ community since 1997. Studio owner and beloved teacher Miss Joanne Carey has given so many students the opportunity to share their love of dance within her four walls."

She noted her teacher Miss Joanne's community involvement, "between starting the inspirational Little Stars Program, the annual smaller-scale winter performance benefiting the Ronald McDonald House, and numerous dance scholarships to those less fortunate. Hers was also the first business to donate to Westfield’s 9-11 Fund."

But coronavirus has hit small businesses hard. "As everyone is well-aware," Powell wrote, "the global COVID pandemic is crushing small businesses and unfortunately, the Westfield School of Dance is not immune to that. The studio immediately and successfully pivoted to a virtual model, relying on Zoom classes with innovative opportunities for older students to learn about media production, and even put a unique spin on the cumulative spring performance."

But even with a discounted rent rate, the dance school risks losing the space.

"Maintaining the physical space helps create opportunities for small and safe in-person offerings during this difficult time, and ensures the studio can fully re-open its doors when the time is right. Every dollar counts and every kind word will mean the world to Miss Joanne and the rest of the WSOD staff. Please help save the studio!"

Powell said those wishing to donate or find out more can go here.

There is also a video on the page with testimonials from students.

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