Dance Institute of Washington, Inc.
Target demographics: DIW students are primarily from the District of Columbia, with some participants traveling from surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia. The majority of DIW students are African American. Having its studios located in the diverse neighborhood of Columbia Heights, DIW continues to attract youth from all backgrounds, including Latin, Asian and Caucasian students. The majority of students receive partial scholarships. In its outreach, DIW forges partnerships with local schools and community-based organizations.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 65 percent of students receive scholarships to attend DIW
Board Members and Affiliation: MELVIN WHITE, CHAIR
Melvin White Legal
DAVID MILLER, VICE CHAIR
The M.A. Winter Company
FABIAN BARNES, PRESIDENT
The Dance Institute of Washington
FARRAH BARRIOS
International Economist
MICHAEL COBB
Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates, PC
ALAN KRIEGSMAN
Critic Emeritus, The Washington Post
CLAUDIA PHARIS
Catalyst Institute for Applied Policy
CAROLYN STENNETT
National Head Start Association
Thomasa Burton
Muriel Garr
Jennifer Cover-Payne
James Early
Valerie D. Simmons
Di Stovall
Lou Stovall
DIW is dedicated to: 1) building self-esteem, discipline and the drive for excellence among at-risk youth; 2) involving parents, educators, professional artists and community members in the lives of DC's underserved children; 3) fostering mentoring relationships between professional artists and students; 4) broadening the horizons for the next generation of successful citizens.
DIW provides youth development and childcare services for neighborhood residents and workers;
DIW promotes foot traffic to local businesses;
DIW promotes Columbia Heights as a cultural destination.
