Rising Star Studio of Dance in Gaithersburg is turning to the community for support as the local dance studio faces the possibility of closing its doors, a little more than a year after celebrating its grand opening.
The studio, located at 18505 N. Frederick Ave in the Gaithersburg S.C. shopping center near Bruster’s, will host a “Save Our Studio” fundraising event on Sunday, October 18, featuring a full day of dance classes, performances, music and other activities. The fundraiser was organized with support from the studio’s instructors and students.
The studio was founded by owner Aranda Brown, a Gaithersburg High School teacher and sponsor of Sabor Latino. At the time of the opening, Brown described Rising Star as a space centered around passion, growth and teamwork, with plans to expand its classes, teams and other programming based on community interest.
Now, Brown says the studio has reached a difficult point financially. According to Brown, she invested her personal savings and borrowed against her home to build the studio. Over the past year, Rising Star has dealt with construction delays, rising operating costs, inflation and other financial challenges while continuing to provide dance education, youth programs, cultural events and wellness programming.
Despite those efforts, Brown said Rising Star is now facing the possibility of closure. “This story is about much more than one business,” Brown said. “It is about entrepreneurship, perseverance, the challenges facing small businesses after opening in a difficult economic climate, and the role local businesses play in creating community.”
Rather than simply asking for donations, the studio is bringing its instructors, students and supporters together for a daylong fundraiser. The October 18 event begins with a 90-minute Zumba session from 10am-11:30am led by instructors Helen and Mourien for a $25 donation. Ladies Styling with Sheila Brown follows from noon-1pm, Bachata with Angela Bonilla from 1-2pm and Salsa with Edwin Castellon from 2-3pm. Those individual classes are $20 each.
The event continues from 4-8pm with music, dancing and special performances with DJ Sidekick. Admission for the evening portion is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. A three-class package is available for $50, while an all-day pass covering classes, the social and performances is $70. Food and drinks will also be available.
The fundraiser is being held alongside Rising Community Arts and Wellness, a nonprofit organization. Those unable to attend can support the studio through a donation. “Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to keeping our doors open,” the studio wrote in announcing the fundraiser.
