Dance…Just Beautiful Dance Theater may ring down final curtain

Dennis James Breedlove, artistic director, DJB coaches his students. Photo by Farah Dosani

Dance…Just Beautiful (DJB) Dance Theater, which offers free dance classes to children in Coconut Grove, could close their doors on May 31 as a result of countywide budget cuts.

Founded in 2005 by Dennis James Breedlove, who serves as artistic director, DJB offers adult classes, such as Pilates, West African dance and boot camp, and free classes for children.

Through collaboration between Breedlove and the City of Miami Police Department’s Miami Police Athletic League (PAL), 3686 Grand Avenue was established as a dance studio for DJB and Miami PAL dance classes, which Breedlove taught voluntarily. However, because of budget cuts, the city manager will not renew the lease on the property.

“Budget restraints are just city wide and a lot of things are happening as a result,” said Ashaala S. Jenkins, Miami PAL coordinator and CEO. “Right now because of budget cuts we have to shut down the building but we are looking for another venue.”

Miami PAL will continue to offer other programs in Coconut Grove such as basketball, flag football and tutoring at Armbrister Park. They are currently looking for another location in Coconut Grove for dance classes and will continue to offer a dance program in Liberty City and Little Haiti.

As for DJB, Breedlove is working with community members and organizations to try and retain the Grand Avenue dance studio as the location for his dance theater. He is hopeful that grant funding will come through around the time of the May 31 lease end date. If he is unsuccessful in securing the funds to cover the $1,000 rent and other expenses, Breedlove will be forced to consider relocating.

Currently, DJB covers administrative costs through payments for adult dance classes and funding from the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Department. Breedlove has applied for several grant programs such as Responsible Sports Community Grants by Liberty Mutual which would provide $2,500 in grant money. The winner of the grant is based on online votes which can be made at responsiblesports.com.

“Funding is a big issue,” Breedlove said. “Organizations are getting funding but its not going where it needs to go.”

Breedlove believes that more funding needs to be allocated for arts programs and the various costs, such as attire and costumes, which these programs require.

Despite the challenges, Breedlove remains focused on sharing his passion for movement.

“In this two and half hours of rehearsal is getting them to step out of themselves and see a bigger world through dance,” Breedlove said.

One goal of DJB is to educate the community about the health and social benefits of dance.

“For the kids, it’s all about the cultural exchange through dance,” Breedlove said. “It is important for wellness and for social reasons because they can meet other kids.”

Breedlove looks forward to continuing to share his passion for dance with others in the community he loves.

“It’s full circle for me because a big part of my mission is to give back to Coconut Grove because Coconut Grove gave so much to me,” Breedlove said.