"This is My Dream": Local Nonprofit Empowers Young Dancers at Aronoff Center

WESTWOOD, Ohio — Ballet is often seen as an exclusive art form, with costs that can be prohibitive for many families. However, a local nonprofit is making it possible for young girls to experience the magic of ballet regardless of their financial situation.

Nearly 60 girls from the City Gospel Mission have been rehearsing at Westwood First Presbyterian Church for their upcoming performance of ToyMaker’s Daughter. This production is a testament to the power of community support and the dedication of those involved in the program.

Caption: Ballet can be an expensive art form to learn, from lessons to shoes to costumes, but a local nonprofit is helping make it possible for young girls no matter their family’s finances. (WKRC, City Gospel Mission)

Avery Hershey, one of the dancers selected for the performance, shared her passion for ballet. “I do ballet about five days a week, and I’m practicing every day constantly,” she said. Hershey is part of the Princesses Ballet program, which has over 500 participants. She is among the 57 girls chosen to perform in this year’s ToyMaker’s Daughter, an original ballet directed by Gordon Havens.

Havens described the production as an allegory of the Gospel, incorporating original choreography and music. “The actual narrative has adventure, excitement, and hilarious moments,” he explained. The performers range in age from three to 19, with some dedicating up to 24 hours a week to their training.

Havens emphasized the importance of the program, noting that many of the girls would not have access to ballet otherwise. “Most of the girls are financially under-resourced,” he said. “And for them to experience the discipline and the work ethic in the studio is insane.”

The program offers these valuable lessons free of charge, allowing the girls to grow both artistically and personally. “Learning about the girls, their hard times and wonderful times, being able to talk to them, and bringing them closer to the Lord—it’s so wonderful,” Havens added.

In addition to the training, the dancers have the unique opportunity to perform at the Aronoff Center. “Being in the Aronoff is such a fun time over there, and being backstage with the girls is so fun because we don’t get to do that very often,” Hershey said.

The first of two shows is scheduled for Thursday evening, with a second performance on Friday night. Proceeds from the event will benefit the City Gospel Mission. When asked about what it’s like to see supporters in the audience, Hershey expressed a mix of nerves and excitement.

“So scared but so good because this is my dream,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to dance for people and make them happy and be very close to the Lord.”

Tickets are still available for ToyMaker’s Daughter at the Aronoff. The performances are set for January 15 and January 16 at 7 p.m. Interested individuals can purchase tickets through the designated link.