We are at the end of 2020, and what a year it’s been.
This year has highlighted the resiliency and adaptability of our students and faculty to continue doing what they love – dancing their hearts out. We have been in our new home for just three months and we have already created so many lasting memories together.
This year has also highlighted the resiliency and creativity of small service-based businesses like ours to adapt and serve customers in brand new ways. London’s small-yet-mighty coalition of small businesses is who helped us persevere and inspire us to serve our clients in new, creative ways.
This year has reminded us that dance is more than just an extra-curricular activity for children. It is about friendship, connection, and an expression of who we are as human beings. After our collective experience of stress, loneliness, and a dozen other emotions, watching dancers walk into the new brand new studio for their first dance class brought back a sense of familiarity. This is the feeling that carried us through the dark times of this pandemic and is what makes us so excited to hold each other close someday soon.
Until then, let’s continue to stay connected in creative ways and find special moments to dance.
We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do together in 2021!
Thank you for being part of our Dance London Family.
– Ashley & DL Faculty
YEAR AT A GLANCE
January
We're moving to the AcitivtyPlex for Fall 2020!
February
Construction begins at the ActivityPlex.
March
Dance London Online launches to keep our community connected
April
Dance London Online LIVE virtual classes launch for our community.
May
We say goodbye to Langarth Street forever!
June
Taking the Next Step, our 2020 virtual recital is a great success!
July
Marika joins the DL team as a full-time Operations Director.
August
Our Rogerson Chance to Dance BIPOC Scholarship launches for dancers without access to dance.
September
We got the keys to the ActivityPlex!
October
DL season 27 starts in our new home.
November
Ashley Aarts is announced as a London Inc's 20 Under 40 award recipient.
December
Our virtual open house, Home for the Holidays is a success & $500 donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Whatever happened over this past year, be thankful for where it brought you. Where you are is where you're meant to be.
DANCERS
650+ dancers enrolled in 2020
75 dancers enrolled in DL Online LIVE
200+ dancers in our Virtual Recital
3 graduating dancers:
Seiko F., Mikayla V., Sophia C.FACULTY
22 talented faculty members
8 new faculty members
13 student assistants
5 front desk staff
1 expecting faculty member (congrats Miss Lisa!)COMMUNITY
9 dancers sponsored with the Rogerson Chance to Dance Scholarship
$1500 raised for the Rogerson Chance to Dance Scholarship by DLPC dancer Peyton L. & her mom.
$350 raised for the Rogerson Chance to Dance Scholarship by DL dancer Ayla’s fundraiser “The Art Of Dance”
$500 donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities from the DL Giving Tree
London Inc’s 20 Under 40
This Fall, Ashley Aarts (DL Owner & Director) was named a 2020 20 Under 40 award recipient by London Inc Magazine. These awards celebrate young leaders who are moving the city forward, including entrepreneurs, doctors, chefs, artists, social workers and scientists. Recipients of the award demonstrate excellence in business achievement, innovation within their areas of involvement, community involvement and support, and inspire those around them to grow and make an impact.
Watch Ashley’s interview with London Inc to learn more about what got her to where she is today, along with her plans for the future.