Dance Academy Summer Appeal banner 2020
Hello,

Many summer camps for kids are canceled or operating in limited capacities. Chicago Lights has found creative, virtual solutions to continue to offer our robust summer programming.

As we mentioned in our email last week, a study from Northwest Evaluation Association predicts that because of the pandemic, students will have made only 50–70% of the academic progress achieved in a typical school year, and “isolation will leave many students with social and emotional scars and lasting trauma."

There is also research to show that exposure to the arts increases academic achievement , which is why it’s especially important this summer that we continue to offer dance to our students as they grow and learn through movement.

Twenty-five students in grades 1-12 are participating in the Chicago Lights Dance Academy’s four-week, virtual Summer Dance Intensive. Each morning, students--like fifth grader Ezekiel--log on and get moving as professional dance instructors lead live Zoom classes in the styles of ballet, jazz, musical theater, tap, and hip hop.

Watch the video below to take a sneak peek of what Ezekiel has been learning from home.
Ezekiel Dance Academy Summer Dance Intensive video play
"I'm enjoying seeing friends dance on Zoom and working out. It keeps me entertained during the pandemic. I feel happy to see others."
- Ezekiel, 5th Grade
Will you support Ezekiel and other young dancers as they grow and learn through dance? When you donate to Chicago Lights, you're helping give students the opportunity to stay active, safe, and engaged this summer--setting them up for success in the fall.

Please make a gift to Chicago Lights today to support students like Ezekiel and to continue to build brighter futures.
Thank you for filling our hearts with hope and being a part of the Chicago Lights family.
Sincerely,
Stacy Jackson headshot
Stacy Jackson
Stacy Jackson
Executive Director
Black lives matter to Chicago Lights. We are working to ensure that Chicago Lights is not only not racist, but that we are decidedly anti-racist.

Chicago Lights builds brighter futures for Chicago's youth and adults through supportive relationships and life-changing programs.