We had the good fortune of connecting with La Toya Bellamy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi La Toya, how have you been affected by Covid-19?
It has affected us tremendously!!! We have been closed for 3 months now and due to this pandemic we have lost our building.  I have applied for PPP twice and have been denied both times,  haven’t heard back from EIDL assistance and applied for grant got denied. It’s has been a lot for myself and my dance family but they have been supportive and helpful.

As a minority black woman owner of business that deals with the youth community of The City of Inglewood it is very discouraging that I don’t have support for my community. I’ve had to make a GOFUND ME and had issues with them depositing my donation funds into my account for a whole month. It got to the point where I had to let them know I was going to get my lawyer involved and that is when I received the deposit of my donations.

I have faith that we will come back on top better then ever!!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Dancer 4 Life dance studio offers high-quality dance programs for adults and kids. Their programs feature classes, competitive teams, summer camps, and recitals in an array of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Tap. They pride themselves on their ability to offer dance classes at a price that is affordable for all. Originally founded in 2012 by LaToya Bellamy, the Dancer 4 Life Dance Studio is an award-winning ensemble of dancers ranging in age starting from 2. Starting then with just one student, Dancer 4 Life dance studio is now home to over 120 dancers. The studio has been recognized as “Best Dance Studio” in the city of Inglewood for the last four years and carries a strong presence within the community through their continuous engagement . The award-winning dance studio has traveled throughout the western region of the country performing, competing and receiving numerous performance and choreography awards and scholarships to study throughout the nation. The studio enters group routines, small groups, duo/trios and solos taking home 1st places, high score overalls, and achieving special awards including regional titles. As the studio continues to grow, they also continue to exceed their own expectations. Every teacher, student and parent has worked tirelessly to make Dancer 4 Life the phenomenal dance studio that it has become, however the best has yet to come. For more information on Dancer 4 Life dance studio, please contact the directors at 323.325.3866 or email us at: dancer4lifeladancestudio@gmail.com.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my husband Kelvin Bellamy @ChefKBellamy for the love and support from day one. Sabrina Miller, founder of Heads Up Foundation and Community Liaison Specialist for the City of Inglewood, she has been a huge supporter of Dancer 4 Life Dance Studio by donating and giving advice to keep going.Thank you to my Staff for having my back and supporting all my decision To keep our clients family, Dancer 4 Life Dance Family and Mom Team,  Cheryl H., Cheryl C. , Leslie, Terri, Darla, thank you for your love, donations and continue support. They step up to whatever is needed for the studio and to help with whatever is needed to keep the studio going. Thank you for the beautiful drive by parade they put together.

Thank you to all that have donated and that have helped in any way to keep Dancer 4 Life Dance Studio thriving even with out a location right now.

I send hugs and blessings to all.

Website: www.dancer4lifela.com
Instagram: Dancer4lifeladancestudio
Facebook: Dancer4lifeladancestudio
Yelp: Dancer 4 Life Dance Studio