Our mission is to empower youth through the transformative power of dance, fostering leadership, cultural enrichment, and personal growth. Our vision is to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists and leaders by ensuring access to quality dance education, mentorship, and cultural experiences for all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
The Irene Bradley Foundation was established in 2006 to honor Irene Bradley, whose influence significantly shaped Veronica’s journey in the arts community and inspired her vision of making dance accessible to all. Over the years, we’ve reached hundreds of students, helping them grow not only as dancers but also as confident, well-rounded individuals. We believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and celebrate cultural diversity.
We offer three core programs to enrich our students’ dance experience: The BB Dance Program is a comprehensive initiative that teaches students of all skill levels, focusing on classical, contemporary, and cultural dance forms. Leadership Through Dance is a mentorship program designed to foster leadership and personal development through dance instruction and community engagement. Lastly, our Cultural Enrichment Program provides students with opportunities to explore the arts beyond the studio through performances, museum visits, and workshops.
We have impacted over 900 students since our inception, providing approximately
300 scholarships for those who might not otherwise have the chance to dance in a studio setting. We have collaborated with local schools, arts organizations, and cultural institutions to bring dance classes directly to them and expand access to the arts. Recently, we proudly graduated our first two scholarship students in the 2023 senior class.
Help us empower youth through the transformative power of dance! The Foundation is a certified 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing access to quality education, mentorship, and cultural experiences. Your generous donations can change the lives of young artists across the city. Thank you for your support!
The Advisory Board was launched in 2024, bringing together influential members of the Charlotte community who share a passion for empowering youth through the transformative power of dance. Together, we aim to enhance our programs, align with the foundation's mission, and enrich the lives of every student who walks through our doors.
Membership is by invitation only; however, if you're interested in joining, please email us with your interest and reasons for wanting to be part of the board. Additionally, if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, we invite you to contact us for more information.