Dance Studio in Asheville Rallies for Disaster Relief
Asheville, N.C. is witnessing an inspiring story of community and resilience as a local dance studio takes the lead in providing disaster relief to those hit hard by the recent storm, Helene. The vibrant energy that typically fills the studio has transformed into a hub of *compassionate support* for those in need.
Answering the Call for Help
When the destructive winds of Helene wreaked havoc across western North Carolina, Maui Wang, the owner of Uphora Dance + Fitness, found herself faced with an important question: “How do we mobilize dancers?” The answer soon became clear as community members began pouring into her studio.
Many residents approached Wang with offers to donate goods, expressing their desire to help but unsure where to take their supplies. “People just showing up, ‘We want to donate goods, we don’t know where to go, can you just open the studio, we can just leave it there,’” she recalled. Within days, the dance studio was brimming with *essential supplies*, all generously contributed by local residents.
The Spirit of Volunteerism
As the studio filled with donations, dancers began to mobilize, realizing they could make a real difference in their community. Saige Armistead, an instructor at Uphora, reflected on the experience, saying, “This has already been a huge community. We already invite people in as if it’s their home.” With her passion for helping others, Armistead joined forces with local organizations like the United Way, volunteering her time and energy.
“You see other people getting back to work and continuing their creative practices even in the face of destruction, and it inspires you to keep going,” she shared. This sense of collective determination and support has become a powerful motivator for all involved.
Introducing Operation Dance
In response to the ongoing needs within the community, Uphora Dance launched Operation Dance, an initiative designed to raise funds for recovery efforts. This program features donation-based dance classes open to participants of all skill levels. From *fitness classes* to Latin dance and hip-hop, there’s something for everyone at Uphora.
Wang explains, “We are the boots on the ground. We work with local organizations. And those from near and far were just texting us, calling us, sending us messages. And this was just a great way to be a credible source where they can funnel funding into.” This initiative not only provides an avenue for fundraising but also fosters a sense of unity among dancers and community members alike.
Uphoria in the Face of Adversity
As classes continue to thrive, Armistead emphasizes the uplifting atmosphere that has emerged from the challenges posed by the storm. “It’s been really uplifting. There hasn’t been much that’s been really uplifting through this, so it’s been really nice to come together with everyone we care about and feel like we’re contributing to the process of rebuilding,” she said enthusiastically.
Additionally, Uphora has joined forces with Viva Dance in Greenville, expanding their reach to offer donation-based classes in the Upstate. This partnership illustrates that no matter the distance, the spirit of compassion and support can connect communities and spread hope in the face of adversity.
As Asheville continues on the road to recovery, one thing is clear: the power of dance is not only in the art form itself but also in the ability to unite people to make a difference. With studios like Uphora leading the way, the dance community is proving that together, they can help rebuild lives and inspire others to join the cause.
