MANVEL, TX — For many children, putting on a costume, learning choreography and stepping onto a stage is a memorable part of growing up in dance. At Studio G Dance in Manvel, an annual fundraiser is helping make sure those opportunities are available to dancers with special needs, too.

Studio G Dance is currently hosting its annual fundraiser in support of its Darby's Dancers Performance Company, part of the studio's partnership with the national nonprofit Darby's Dancers.

The organization is dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Its programs are designed to provide more than dance instruction—participants have opportunities to build confidence, coordination and strength while developing friendships in an inclusive environment.

A Local Partnership With a Bigger Mission

Studio G partners with Darby's Dancers to offer its own Darby's Dancers Performance Company in Manvel.

Through the program, Studio G's Darby's Dancers students have opportunities to perform at various events throughout the year. The program is open to dancers ages 8 and older.

There's an important difference between this company and a traditional dance program: Studio G families raise money to help cover costs for participating Darby's Dancers families.

That support reflects the broader Darby's Dancers model. The nonprofit relies on volunteer instructors, donated studio space, youth volunteers, participating studios, local businesses and charitable contributions to help provide dance instruction, supplies and costumes for dancers with special needs.

Popcorn With a Purpose

This year's fundraiser gives supporters a particularly easy—and tasty—way to help. Studio G has launched an online Double Good Pop-Up Store, where supporters can purchase gourmet popcorn while contributing to the fundraiser. Fifty percent of every purchase benefits the fundraiser. The online format also means supporters don't have to live in Manvel or visit the studio to participate. Friends, relatives and other supporters can shop through Studio G's fundraising page during the campaign.

Fundraising totals are updated on the Pop-Up Store as purchases are made, allowing the community to follow Studio G's progress toward its goal.

Shop Studio G's Double Good Pop-Up Store

Because the fundraiser is available for a limited time, residents who would like to participate should check the Pop-Up Store for the current campaign status.

The Story Behind Darby's Dancers

The organization carries the name and legacy of Darby Emma Jones, who was born in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1999.

Darby was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect and later battled leukemia. During treatment for her third bout of leukemia in 2008, she began participating in a dance class created for children with special needs. Dance became an important part of her life.

She went on to participate in recitals, holiday shows, competitions, community events, fundraisers and other performances. According to the organization, Darby encouraged others facing challenges to "be brave like me."

Darby died in 2013 after her battle with leukemia. Her parents founded Darby's Dancers to continue her legacy by giving other children with special needs opportunities to experience the performing arts. Today, the nonprofit works with dance studios that help carry that mission into their own communities.

Learn more about Darby's Dancers and Darby's story

More Than Learning Dance Steps

The impact of a program like Darby's Dancers extends beyond learning choreography. The national organization says its dancers have opportunities to develop confidence, coordination, strength and lifelong friendships while participating in an atmosphere centered on inclusion, acceptance and social connection.

There is also a role for young volunteers. Darby's Dancers describes a model in which youth volunteers can provide one-on-one assistance to dancers, creating opportunities for friendships while teaching volunteers responsibility and inclusion.

For a local dance studio, that means the program can touch more than the dancers themselves. Fellow students, instructors, families and volunteers all become part of creating an environment where dancers with different abilities have an opportunity to participate and perform.

Why It Matters

Community fundraisers are easy to scroll past. This one has a very tangible purpose.

Every costume, class and performance represents an opportunity for a dancer to participate in something many families may otherwise take for granted. Studio G's partnership also demonstrates what inclusion can look like at the neighborhood level. Rather than requiring families to travel to Houston in search of specialized opportunities, a program designed for dancers with diverse needs is available right here in Manvel. And local families are helping make it possible.

For a community experiencing the kind of rapid growth occurring throughout Manvel and the 288 corridor, programs like Darby's Dancers are a reminder that building a community isn't only about adding houses, roads and businesses. It's also about creating places where everyone has an opportunity to belong.

How to Support the Fundraiser

• Purchase popcorn: Shop Studio G's Double Good fundraiser

• Learn about the local program: Studio G Dance – Dance Companies

• Learn about the national organization: Darby's Dancers

• Share the fundraiser with friends, family and neighbors while the campaign is active.

Studio G Dance
6818 Masters Road
Manvel, TX 77578

Editor's Note: Fundraiser progress can change as purchases are made. Visit Studio G's Double Good Pop-Up Store for the current amount raised and remaining campaign time.