My name is Briana Hayman, and I am the Owner and Artistic Director of Delaware Center for Dance, Wilmington’s newest professional dance studio. While Delaware may be small, our vision, impact, and commitment to the arts are anything but.

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I’ve spent over 20 years in the dance industry, earning my BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts, performing with the Philadelphia 76ers, and dancing for artists such as Cardi B and G-Eazy. Every step of my journey has been intentional not just for my own career, but to ensure I could return and pour into the next generation with real-world experience, integrity, and purpose.

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Delaware Center for Dance was created to save and sustain the arts in Delaware. Dance is often seen as a luxury, yet its benefits: discipline, confidence, mental wellness, and opportunity are life-changing. Our studio proudly serves a predominantly African-American student population, providing high-quality, professional training without the burden of financial stress.

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What sets us apart is our commitment to exposure and excellence. We provide our dancers with opportunities to travel to New York City, train at world-renowned studios, and learn directly from working professionals in the industry by hosting master classes. Our instructors also continuously invest in teacher training, ensuring we sharpen our tools, stay current, and offer the highest level of education possible.

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Our mission extends beyond children. We also offer adult dance classes, creating space for adults to reconnect with their bodies, creativity, and health, something that is often neglected. We believe a thriving arts space should serve the entire community, nurturing dancers of all ages and backgrounds.

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In addition to dance training, we offer a free mentorship program, supporting students through challenges that can’t always be addressed through movement alone. We sit with them, listen, and guide them through difficulties they may face at school, at home, or within themselves. For us, it’s bigger than dance, it’s about building a healthy, supported, and empowered community.

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Like many small arts organizations, we are currently facing the reality of increased rent and rising operational costs. Our goal is urgent but clear: to keep our doors open so Delaware's youth and families continue to have access to the arts, mentorship, and a safe space to grow.

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Donations directly support the sustainability of Delaware Center for Dance by helping offset essential operating costs such as rent, utilities, general overhead, instructor compensation, and necessary facility upgrades. These contributions allow us to continue offering high-quality programming while keeping our space accessible and safe for the community.

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Your support helps us fight rising rent, sustain our programming, and continue building a community that uplifts everyone it touches.

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Thank you for believing in our mission and standing with us during this critical time.

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We recognize that the everyone is facing economic challenges and that finances are difficult for many right now. Please know that no contribution is taken for granted, every gift, big or small, truly makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. We pray your blessings return back to you tenfold.