It’s really hard to describe how excited and delighted I am to announce Trifecta Arts’ first ballet program. I dreamed of it, searched for it, and now we are on the threshold. Beginning in September 2017 and culminating with a final performance in early 2018, 50 young girls will experience their first ever ballet training.
More than 175 girls ages 6-12 auditioned for placement in the program being offered at President Tamayo School in Salinas, Santa Elena, Ecuador. The girls will be separated into two groups, by age, and will substitute a 90 minute ballet class for their regular physical education class 2 days each week. There were even some boys who wanted a chance to participate – a somewhat surprising request, which we will happily evaluate for a future session.
The program will directed by Maruxa Pita De Le Vega, ballet instructor and owner of Maruxa Pita Academy of Dance and Ballet in Salinas and Ballenita, Santa Elena Province, Ecuador. A special thank you goes to Gaudy Gonzalez Pezo, a teacher at the school, who facilitated discussions with the school administrators. The classes will be held in the recently constructed computer room – a roof over their heads and a clean tile floor will make a wonderful venue for learning ballet.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for these young girls to have 4 months of ballet training made possible by Trifecta Arts. Students at this public school come from families, like many in Ecuador, that cannot afford luxuries like dance lessons.
The girls were beaming with joy as they led their parents into the room to meet Maruxa Pita and Anne Koho at the introductory meeting. After hearing an overview of the program, their parents were equally excited and appreciative, making the following comments:
“We are so happy for this program to come to our school.”
“We are very interested in the benefits of ballet.”
“We will help with all things needed.”
Stay tuned for future updates and visit the Initiative Page (Click here) to see more photos and make a donation to support this program!
