Hi Nicole
After 15 years of exceptional contributions to the New York City
community Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre, is closing its doors on
December 23rd 2008. Hit by the economic crisis --with fewer
students attending classes -- and a major rent increase, DDDC
has no other option but to shut down.
If you want to help, please do so by exposing our story to politicians,
celebrities and the media (Press release, pictures, video and other info
is available at www.djoniba.com).
You can also help by inviting your friends,co-workers and community
to make a Tax-deductible contribution at www.djoniba.com to build
our new home.
With our friends and supporters, we are optimistic this journey
will make us grow better and stronger.
Peace & Blessings
Djoniba Mouflet
www.djoniba.com
- PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE
For: Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre
37 East 18th Street 7th Floor New York, NY
10003 Tel: 212 477-3464
Press Contact: Maia Claire Garrisson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19th, 2008
COMMUNITY ALERT and A CALL TO ACTION:
LEGENDARY MULTI-CULTURAL DANCE SCHOOL CLOSING!
Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre, the legendary New YorkCity multi-ethnic
dance school and not-for-profit organization, is closing its doors on
December 31st 2008 after 15 years of "exceptional contributions to our city",
(the council of NYC). Hit by the economic crisis -- with fewer students
attending classes -- and a major rent increase, DDDC has no other option
but to sadly shut down.
The immediate result would be 55 teachers and drummers losing their jobs.
Hundreds of children from lower income families losing the opportunity to
receive free dance scholarships, along with thousands of adult students
losing their community workout, a place to release stress and convene
"Since its establishment, Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre-one of New York
City's largest minority-owned cultural centers- has dedicated itself to
connecting men and women of all ages and ethnicities through the arts.
In a letter of June 2007, Mayor Bloomberg wrote, "As we look back on the
incredible accomplishments of DDDC's 15 years, we also look forward to
Even greater achievements on the horizon."
"I am confident that the New York community and government officials,
who understand the profound impact that our philosophy and ethnic dance
taught in our institution has on so many lives, will rally up and help us
continue our mission of providing health, fitness, and harmony amongst
New Yorkers" says the founder Djoniba Mouflet.
DDDC needs funds for a new home and is urgently seeking aid. You can
make donations on line at www.djoniba.com or by mail. Contributions will
allow for construction, fundraising, architectural design, web design,
building materials, office furniture and equipment,
Who knows how long this economic climate will last -but what kind of city
will be left when it's over, if we allow our community owned cultural institutions
to close?
About Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre
Since its inception in 1992, as a not-for-profit cultural and charitable
organization, The Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre has strived to celebrate
our global diversity through world dance and music and is dedicated to
bridging the gap between all ages, ethnic groups,
and cultures through dance and music. The Centre is one of New York
City's largest minority-owned dance studio, and the only cultural center in the
world specializing in multi-ethnic dance and drum. The Centre serves thousands of
adults and children annually, has a roster of 35 master teachers dancers and
drummers, who teach more than 100 dance classes per week in more than 30
different styles of movement and music from around the world.
Founded and directed by Djoniba Mouflet, the internationally-acclaimed
drummer, dancer, teacher, performer and choreographer, the Centre
houses three dance studios, a children's program and
an adult evening program. DDDC has become a popular cultural and
fitness spot, attended by celebrities like Tyra Banks, Julia Roberts, Brook
Shields and featured in several magazines, newspapers and major TV shows.
Awarded "Best New York Dance School" several years in a row by The
Village Voice, New York Magazine, New York Press and AM New York,
DDDC has also been recognized by city officials-including Mayor Bloomberg,
The City Council, Manhattan Borough president Scott M. Stringer, as well
as NY State Assembly N. Godfrey for its outstanding service to the NY community.
"I applaud Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre for your strong commitment to
the culture and community." Richard N. Godfrey / New York State Assembly
"It is the tradition and custom of the New York City Council to honor its most
distinguished citizens, and today we are pleased to recognize Djoniba Dance &
Drum Centre, Inc for its exceptional contributions to our City. Today, we honor
Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre, Inc an organization that has distinguished itself
in service to the community: is has enriched us with its presence and achievements
and is worthy of the esteem of all New Yorkers"
Proclamation by The Council of the City of New York.
