Houston Ballet hosts its 12th annual Graceful Givings event at the Center for Dance this week. Since beginning in 2008, this annual dancewear giveaway has grown to benefit more than 60 Houston-area schools with dance and theater programs.

“Graceful Givings began after I transitioned from being a performer to a full-time teaching artist,” says Lauren Anderson, former Houston Ballet Principal Dancer and current ECE Program Manager. “I started visiting numerous schools and noticed public school students did not have the resources to purchase appropriate dancewear.”

In line with Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement programming mission, Graceful Givings benefits schools largely from low-income communities with 75 percent or more students identified as economically disadvantaged. During this unique event, representatives from each school take turns shopping for their students, collecting donated dance wear free of charge. The event concludes when all donations have received new homes.

“Providing access to these resources simultaneously motivates students and helps teachers achieve learning outcomes,” says Houston Ballet Director of Education Jennifer Sommers.

Through the support of the community, Houston Ballet is able to bridge the gap, giving away more than $60,000 of dance apparel, costumes, shoes and accessories annually. Items are generously donated by local dance stores such as Georgie Girl Costumes, Jazz Rags Dancewar and Leapin’ Leotards, among the Houston Ballet Boutique and others. Volunteers also donate their time to sort the many donations and ensure the event runs smoothly.

This year’s Graceful Givings event takes place on January 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at Houston Ballet Center for Dance. To learn more about donating or to register a school to receive donations, visit bit.ly/2ZgHM1o.