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In a sleepy little town nestled in the West Virginia hills, the transplanted founder of Florida's Suncoast Dance Academy began sharing her love of dance by teaching ten teenagers in a local church basement in 1998. She called the program MasterPeace. Almost entirely through word of mouth, interest and enrollment steadily increased over the next few years. Weekly classes, open to the public, were offered at no charge, and parents appreciated the positive and professional instruction. In addition to Christmas programs and end-of-year recitals, older participants began to tour in a high-energy, high-quality presentation showcasing dance, drama, music and film. This youth-oriented production, called 4th WALL, continues to address the issues that tear at the souls of teens in society today. The group has traveled to Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and throughout West Virginia performing in juvenile detention facilities, at-risk youth centers, churches and public venues, as well as appearances on television and radio. Funded entirely by donations and grants, the MasterPeace and 4th WALL programs expanded exponentially. By 2003, the church's limited space was overwhelmed. To meet the growing community demand, local leaders and the core committee supporting the program formed a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in May 2003 called Arts in Action. Opening a 5000 square foot facility in August 2003, Arts in Action began providing weekly classes and occasional seminars in the performing arts to an increased number of students, the majority of whom enrolled in multiple classes. Ages 2 - adult, with all skill levels from beginner to professional, are represented. Participation has remained high, and many of the older students train and serve as assistant instructors. Although funding restraints no longer allow us to offer arts education at no cost, we believe that the benefits are too great to turn people away due to lack of funds. Arts in Action is committed to providing tuition discounts and need-based scholarships to give opportunities to everyone. Enrollment in Arts in Action classes is open to the public, regardless of religious affiliation. Our reach is broad. Residents of Putnam, Cabell, Kanawha, Mason and Lincoln Counties in West Virginia, and as far away as Gallia County, Ohio, are participants, students, volunteers and supporters. Arts in Action meets its mission of ministry through the arts by teaching skills, encouraging giftedness and empowering service. When a child says, "I can dance!" or "I can sing!" or "I can act!" what they are truly expressing is: "I CAN FLY!"
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