Leveling The Performing Field

Innovative Pilot Project

What is LPF?

Leveling the Performing Field (LPF) is an innovative pilot project started in 2023 and is a collaboration between Sandler Center Foundation, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), and Ballet Virginia. During weekly classes at four Title I schools, students are trained by professional dancers in ballet – the foundation of all dance. The long-term goal of the program is to help prepare gifted, but economically underserved children to pursue careers in the arts.

How does SCF help?

The Sandler Center Foundation (SCF) covers all administrative and instructional costs, provides all dance attire and the opportunity for students to attend performances at the Sandler Center. In 2024, each child in the program was also provided a dance bag, completely free of charge. While laying a foundation for dance, participating children are learning new skills, teamwork, and the dancer’s lexicon including French vocabulary.

What have we accomplished?

Leveling the Performing Field places an emphasis on the performing arts and social-emotional learning. LPF simulates the professional experience from start to finish, encouraging students’ energy and aptitude for dance. The program serves 2nd through 6th grade students as a component of the VBCPS’ Excellence Project after-school activities with Johns Hopkins. SCF seeks to increase acceptance rates of VBCPS students enrolled in the Excellence Project to local arts magnet schools and the Governor’s School for the Arts. During the 2023-24 school year (the pilot year of the program), an LPF dance student was accepted into Old Donation School in Virginia Beach which fosters gifted education.

We hope to continue the impact of Leveling the Performing Field; making waves in the future of our local arts community. Here’s how you can help:

Sponsor a child or even an entire class by donating to SCF. Your gift goes directly to support this program!