Downers Grove Business DLD Dance Center Needs Your Support

The new coronavirus has changed life for all of us. Local businesses have taken a huge economic hit, but communities are finding creative ways to support the establishments they know and love.

In an effort to help local businesses in our communities stay connected and succeed, Patch will be shining a light on some of them through a series of Q&A articles during this time.

DLD Dance Center is one of the businesses in town facing struggles during the coronavirus. You can lend your support by reading more about the company, below, and by contacting them here.

Tell us about your business and its history in your town.

DLD's mission is to inspire dignity, love and diversity through dance. DLD Professional Company was founded in 2004 and DLD Dance Center opened in 2011! Owner and Artistic Director, Dyanna Daniels, had a vision to offer a place that was not just a dance studio to train at but also a second home for students. At DLD, we hope to instill values that not only create great dancers but even better individuals.

With the opening of DLD, Dyanna also launched DLD's scholarship program for students who otherwise would not be able to afford the opportunity to dance. Dyanna did not begin dancing until she was 18 and dance was not something that was in her family's financial means. Due to this, she set a goal to help children live out their dream of dance in their youth. DLD is currently providing full and partial scholarships for several amazing students in our community.

How has the new coronavirus impacted your business and its employees?

We have been closed since March 13. Several of our competitions and performances have been postponed or cancelled, including our recital venue. We may hold several smaller recitals at our studio when we are able to reopen.

Without the ability to host a traditional recital and the unknowns of what will happen with our summer program, we are facing a lot of financial hardship that will impact our future during this time. I have applied for EIDL and PPP but have not heard anything back yet.

How can local customers support you now and in the future?

By donating to our GoFundMe or registering for our virtual dance experience if they are not currently enrolled. DLD has transitioned to offer an online virtual dance experience for its current students and is welcoming new students as well!

Our instructors are highly trained and all currently still train, dance or perform in some capacity. We value the progress of each students individual journey and customize learning to allow each student to reach their full potential.

Do you have any words of encouragement for your community?

Although this is an uncertain time, I am praying for our community and the world right now. We will all get through this together, moment by moment, and day by day. We are truly all in this together and God will guide us through this. Everyone matters, stay home and be safe everyone. Sending love and prayers to you all.

Are you offering any special services, promotions or hours during this time?

Virtual Dance Experience (Pre-recorded classes, Zoom Conferencing, and Google Classroom).

Are there any other outstanding businesses in town you think deserve some community support?

Kim and Kang Martial Arts.

Do you own a local business in need of a feature on Patch? Fill out the questions in this form for consideration. Or, check out Patch's full list of resources for small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

Thank you, and stay safe!