Our Stories

"My 5 year old daughter, Avery, has been attending since late July early August of 2017. I wanted to put her in a dance class to try it out and help her focus. She loves it and we are impressed with everything she is learning. Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda are so patient with all of the children and they seem to have fun teaching. We are so grateful that we learned about this wonderful program. It's also a bonus as Dancing for Donations gives back to the community!"
Testimonial from: Michelle Ebner (Parent of Avery Ebner)

"I have to say I don’t know where we would be without Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda. Dancing for Donations has been a blessing. They are truly inclusive. We have tried soccer for special needs and Toni never really liked it. Dancing for Donations makes Toni feel like she’s part of something special. With Toni’s needs, Sara and Amanda are patient, they go above and beyond to help Toni grasp her dance steps. She gets so excited to go to dance, and the change in Toni has been amazing. Even Toni’s teacher noticed that she is able to focus a little better. It’s also given my oldest daughter, confidence. Alyx is Toni’s helper and Alyx is more out going and willing to step out of her “teenager” bubble. Thank you ladies for all you do."
Testimonial from: Laurie Harrison (Parent of Toni & Alyx Harrison)

"This is my daughter's first time in dance. After only 2 classes, she was loving it! She looks forward to coming to dance every week, seeing her new friends, Ms. Sara, and dancing. I thought this would be a wonderful place to start learning about dance, while the tuition money is being donated to great causes each month. So far, we are LOVING Dancing with Donations!"
Testimonial from: Chynna Ambriz (Parent of Liliana Ambriz)

"We love that Dancing for Donations trusts H5 Creations with making their dance shirts! My daughter has been with them since August 2017 and couldn't be happier. The teachers are all wonderful and really care about all the dancers. My daughter looks forward to class each week and begs to go more. It's all inclusive which I love. They are also very affordable, and all money goes towards a different charity each month! If anyone is looking for a GREAT and affordable dance program for their kids, check them out! I would recommend this dance studio for any little girl or boy looking to dance and have fun!"
Testimonial from: Holly Hebert (Parent of Raelyn Hebert & owner of H5 Creations)

"I can't say enough good things about the Dancing for Donations Program. Josie has been in a variety of therapies since she was 9 weeks old. Simply learning to jump took nearly a year with twice weekly physical therapy sessions due to her poor coordination control and low muscle tone. For the past 2 years we had been working on standing on one foot for over 5 seconds. Not only has this been very difficult for Josie, but I also think there has been a confidence issue due to her history of falling over and running into things. Since we started with Dancing for Donations just 5 short months ago, Josie has not only begun routinely standing on one leg, but has also begun to hop! This is a huge milestone for us, and I believe she has reached it because of the patience, encouragement and professional dance studio quality instruction given to her by Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda, as well as the sheer joy of dancing that has given Josie the desire to do so. Additionally, I have seen improvements in sequencing ability, focus, and being able to better discriminate auditory input. We are so grateful for this program, and for the inclusiveness by everyone involved. Thank you Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda! Dancing for Donations is such an asset not only to us but also our community."
Testimonial from: Leah Peak (Parent of Josie Peak)

"Dancing for Donations is so welcoming of all children. They gave my daughter, when she was barely 2, a chance to dance and she loves it. She started with Dancing for Donations so she could get extra practice with some of her dance skills and even learn some new ones. The classes are affordable and we love that there are dancers with all abilities in the classes. My daughter asks me every day if we are going to dance and it has taught her that she should not only strive to do her best, but help her fellow dancers to do her best an d to encourage them along the way. When I see how the teachers help all the kids succeed and their little faces light up it's awesome. We tell everyone that Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda are wonderful dance teachers and the dancers get a great dance education. I love that through dance my daughter gets amazing teachers and she learns to be accepting of all people and children."
Testimonial from: Shanna Brown (Parent of Audrianna Bukowski)

"My daughter has been dancing with this wonderful nonprofit for a year now. The program started around the same time, with only a few classes and under 20 dancers. Now they are up to almost 20 classes and around 100 dancers. We are so please with Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda as instructors.. they are so kind hearted, knowledgeable, and patient with all of the children. We have watched this program blossom and grow. My daughter went from one dance class to now 5 dance classes in the fall. She's always so excited to dance. They make it extremely affordable to everyone and offer scholarships to those in need. NO ONE is turned away. They also have partnerships with other nonprofits, which have donated a lot of dance shoes and other dance items to the program. There are many organizations tuition from dance classes is donated to. They also do several outreach events like teaching for Girl Scouts and Ronald McDonald House as well as perform at nursing homes & awareness walks. We are so proud to be a part of the Dancing for Donations family."
Testimonial from: Romayne Grassel (Parent of Jaylee Grassel)

"I love love love this dance company. Ms. Sara & Ms. Amanda are so patient and compassionate about dancing with the little ones. They work so hard to teach and appreciate all little dancers. My daughter was shy and scared her first dance class and because of their support and warming hearts she now loves the dance class AND the teachers! 5 out of 5 stars!"
Testimonial from: Kristy Shannon (Parent of Zoey Meeks)

"Great experience for my daughter who has Chiari. She is in a wheelchair along with a feeding tube, trach and vent. They make her feel just as welcome as any other kid and I completely believe she can’t even tell she’s different when she’s dance."
Testimonial from: Georgia Richardson (Parent of Addie Richardson)

"I was lucky enough to connect with Ms. Sara over a year ago after having had a series of unfortunate attempts to find a dance studio willing to accommodate my daughter with autism. At the time Dancing for Donations was just getting of the ground and was hosting classes out of a Moose Lodge. I connected with her online first and asked something to the effect of "Does all abilities, really mean ALL abilities?" And she said something to the effect of," I don't have a lot of experience with special needs dancers, but yes, all abilities." Her willingness, openness and acceptance truly touched my heart. I was also impressed that the classes were held as a way to give back to the Tampa Bay community by supporting different partnered charities. We danced with her over that summer and watched as this angel of a teacher worked to share her love of dancing with dancers of ALL abilities. Her willingness to try to teach and reach ALL children has been a gift to Tampa Bay and the special needs community. Her early willingness to be open to all abilities transformed her organization, her life, and the lives of her dancing families. I had to discontinue dancing due to therapy conflicts. But, I continued to be in awe and watch her progress and hard work, She was inspirational, and even though we needed to stop dancing, I tried to continue to offer my support to Dancing for Donations in other ways. Luckily, recently my daughter's therapy schedule conflicts finally resolved in a way that has allowed us to return to dancing and I am happy to say we are back. My daughter's needs require a dancing buddy for the present time. But, the care and dedication of Ms. Sara and Ms. Amanda have helped her to participate. And, she is so happy! It is a blessing in our lives. I am so thankful for this full inclusion organization. I would and do recommend them to anyone looking for a dance studio or a non-profit to support!"
Testimonial from: Jessica Harris (Parent of Aria Harris)

"These ladies go above and beyond teaching and loving the children, they care about the families... help any way they can and never discourage but continually build up our children. Teaching not only dance, but unconditional love and friendship."
Testimonial from: Carol Smith (Parent of Andre Smith & Jaelin Blackwood)

"Wonderful teachers and place that gives all children the chance to dance. Prices are so reasonable and all inclusive of ability. They have lots of fun little events they do for the kids."
Testimonial from: Bonnie Cantrell (Parent of Izzy Cantrell)

"Sara and her team are the most amazing people. They treat every child of every ability like they are a shining star. Our daughter loves dance and finally has a place where she feels at home and is celebrated for her accomplishments. Such a fun studio to be a part of. They offer a variety of classes as very reasonable prices and are always giving back to the community. You won’t be disappointed!"
Testimonial from: Trudy Sanchez (Parent of Carly Sanchez

"D4D is an amazing dance studio for anyone who loves to dance, learn, and have fun! It is such an inclusive and caring environment for all. As a school teacher who used to dance, I was interested in the program because of its mission and after volunteering I never left! Now as a teacher at D4D, I am overjoyed by the amazing services Sara (the director) and Amanda provide for our kids and parents and the community. I’m so happy to be apart of this outstanding program in Brandon! The adult classes are in a “no pressure” environment with teachers who truly want to help you learn-which is wonderful! I’d recommend D4D to anyone who loves dance!"
Testimonial from: Ms. T (Acro and Combo 1 Teacher)

"When we saw the post by Sara for D4D on Friends Down Syndrome West Florida page a year and half ago, my wife and I were so happy because we have been searching for 3 years for a dance studio in Brandon area that would accept a child with disabilities without any success. From our first meeting and session we can tell that Sara genuinely LOVED TO TEACH DANCE TO KIDS but SHE LOVED OUR KIDS (with disabilities) and THAT was the most important thing to us - that she didn’t see the disabilities. She and Amanda just wanted to dance WITH THEM.
Sara and Amanda have traveled the Bay Area to support and host so many nonprofit organizations with dance classes and fundraisers that their cause and purpose is truly INCLUSIVE. All you have to do is look at the joy in the smiles of ALL the children D4D has touched. We are not just parents, we are D4D parents!"
Testimonial from: Myo Oo (Parent of Meagan Oo)

"My daughter and I loved our first experience with Dancing for Donations! We plan to stay as long as we are in the area! So happy we decided to give them a shot! I love the fact that they donate to all kinds of places! It's very admirable!"
Testimonial from: Serena Kirby (Parent of Natalia Ovalle)

"My seven year old daughter has special needs and is speech delayed. When she started with Dancing for Donations she would watch but not follow along. Sara and Amanda searched for ways to reach her and get her involved. Amanda became her "helper" in class and my daughter has developed a wonderful bond with her. She is now starting to do some of the dance moves on her own and even participating verbally in class (she almost never speaks in a group setting)! She loves her dance class and it is having positive effects on her development! My younger two girls just turned four and joined the class as well. They are becoming more confident and independent and even practice their routines at home! Amanda and Sara are amazing in their commitment and ability to reach and teach children. We're blessed to be able to be part of this program!"
Testimonial from: Natalie Steely (Parent of Lizzie, Cassandra and Catherine)

"I cannot say enough about this program! It's an amazing program and makes dance affordable for anyone. It also teaches acceptance and inclusion! The teachers are great and really help each kid feel like they are the only one in the class and reach their greatest dance potential! My daughter started with the program in late March and she had already grown by leaps and bounds, and always asks me if she gets to go to dance class! I am so happy I found this program and I look forward to all the growth my daughter will have in the program!"
Testimonial from: Heather Kuriga (Parent of Michelle Kuriga)