Dance conservatory becomes nonprofit

Move allows SCD ?to seek donations, grant funding|

The Sonoma Conservatory of Dance, a sole proprietorship since its founding in 2005, is now a nonprofit corporation, its founder has announced. According to Artistic Director Patty O’Reilly, who discussed the change at an Oct. 26 press event at the academy’s downtown studio, the change – which became official in July – will allow the school to better serve the community in the future. As a 501c3, the organization will now be free to accept tax-deductible donations and other kinds of contributed funds, including a host of grants, which are generally not available to privately owned businesses.

“Since starting the conservatory,” said O’Reilly, immediately following a short recital of dances from some of the school’s youthful students, “we hoped that the sole proprietorship model would pan out. But after 12 years, I finally realized that was not going to happen. Our goal is to make dance available to everyone, and this will make it possible to offer fully funded scholarships.”

For years, O’Reilly has allowed some cash-strapped families to pay for lessons in exchange for work at the center. As a nonprofit, dance supporters in the community will be able to donate to support the conservatory’s efforts, which include presenting at least two major dance performances a year.

According to O’Reilly, an anonymous donor has already pledged up to $20,000 in matching funds, and O’Reilly says she’s confident the community will meet the match between now and the end of the school year. Originally focused solely on ballet for pre-professionals, the school now offers dance classes for all ages, in styles ranging from ballet and tap to hip-hop, jazz and modern dance.

Says O’Reilly, “We take dance seriously, but we also have fun.”

Email David at david.templeton@sonomanews.com

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