(See schedule at the bottom)

Bella Via Dance Studio will host a Donation Dance Day fundraiser on Saturday, November 9thfor The Tandem restaurant on the Milwaukee’s North Side. This event is open to the public, and is an opportunity to bring our communities together in support of a fellow small business in need.

Opened in 2016, Tandem set out to fight income and employment inequality in our city by focusing on hiring and training youth for work in the restaurant industry. Since opening, Tandem has hired over 150 young people (ages 11-34) with overwhelmingly no prior work experience, some with criminal records, many without stable housing, and all just looking for a chance to learn and grow into young adulthood. When head Chef and Owner Caitlin Cullen shattered her ankle last month, the restaurant struggled to survive. Without The Tandem, its employees will once again be without jobs, and Milwaukee will lose a vital business in its community.

Megan Zintek, owner and artistic director of Bella Via Dance Studio, saw an opportunity to help. “Both of our businesses value making our community better by teaching others and giving them the tools to be successful.” When Megan proposed the idea of a Donation Dance Day at Bella Via to her staff, everyone was on board and enthusiastic. “Knowing that we are so fortunate makes the decision easy to give what we can to make a difference in the city we love so much.” What the Bella Via staff can give is a fun day full of dancing, where all proceeds will be given to The Tandem. “What Caitlin is doing at the Tandem benefits our entire city, not just the individuals she employs. We are so grateful that we can help!”

On Saturday, November 9thBella Via will offer classes for everyone! Ages 3 to Adults… Everyone is encouraged to donate what they are able: $5, $10, $20, $50, every little bit helps!