Description
The Heart & Sole Dance Foundation is an arts-education organization formed in 2012 by Maren Oslac, owner of Heart & Sole Dance. After years of assisting the area communities raise both money and awareness for various charitable endeavors, through her ballroom studio located in Tinley Park, Maren decided to create a not-for-profit to continue to aid her local community and the surrounding areas. Th is foundation will provided a unique opportunity to build positive change in the community; with a focus on reaching children in the Southern Cook and North Eastern Will Counties using in school social development programs. The foundation is the medium in which funds will be raised for the in school program as well as other community charitable opportunities. In addition, the organization will provide scholarships for children in need who wish to continue on with Ballroom Dance. Two such options are: participating in Heart & Sole Dance’s 9 month youth program, and/or attending the Illinois Ballroom Teacher College.
Heart & Sole Dance Foundation is also home of Dancing Classrooms Southern Chicago, as seen in Mad Hot Ballroom. Through standards-based, in-school residencies, we use the vocabulary of ballroom dance to cultivate the positive feelings that are inherent in every child. The maturity necessary to dance together fosters respect, teamwork, confidence and a sense of joy and accomplishment, which we hope to bring to every child. Ballroom dance is the medium we use to nurture these qualities.
Dancing Classrooms of Southern Chicago works directly with 5th & 8th grade students in their schools. The program is a 10 week residency that meets twice per week, culminating in a showcase where every child performs. Audience members can include parents, the local community, lower grades, and school staff.
