Dancing For Eternity

- 1321 Copperfield Dr, Edmond, OK 73003

For residents of the Oklahoma City metro area, Dancing For Eternity represents a powerful local initiative that transforms the lives of aspiring young dancers. Operating as a non-profit organization based in Edmond, this 'point of interest' is not a typical physical venue, but rather a vital community association focused on philanthropy and the arts. Its core mission is deeply rooted in the memory of Hope Elizabeth Shaffer, an aspiring professional ballerina whose dream was to ensure that every child with a genuine desire to learn the art of dance, particularly ballet, had the opportunity to do so, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

The organization was founded by Hope's parents, Charla and Nick Shaffer, following the untimely loss of their daughter. The name itself is inspired by a note Hope once wrote, expressing her desire to "keep dancing for eternity." Today, Dancing For Eternity is the living embodiment of that dream, actively working to remove the financial barriers that often prevent talented and passionate local children from pursuing their dance education. This commitment to fostering artistic growth and access makes it an incredibly important organization within the Oklahoma community, supporting both the personal dreams of young students and the broader regional arts scene.

The organization achieves its mission through various programs, primarily by funding scholarships to established, local dance studios in the Oklahoma area, such as Dove Dance School, Genesis by Talia, and A Step Above School of Dance. This collaborative approach allows students to receive professional instruction within their community while keeping the focus of Dancing For Eternity squarely on fundraising and program management. Since its founding, the non-profit has successfully provided numerous scholarships, allowing deserving students to continue their passion and training without the financial burden.

Beyond scholarships, the organization also coordinates community events, including free summer dance camps, that are open to local youth. These programs not only teach ballet technique and choreography but also often incorporate faith-based devotions and worship-dance classes, reflecting the organization’s mission to honor Jesus in its work. This blend of high-quality artistic instruction and spiritual development provides a unique and holistic experience for participants in the Oklahoma area.

While Dancing For Eternity is primarily an association and not a public dance studio, its official address is located in the community of Edmond, Oklahoma, making it a truly local operation dedicated to serving the surrounding metro area. The administrative base of the organization is located at 1321 Copperfield Dr, Edmond, OK 73003, USA. This central location in Edmond allows the founders and directors to effectively coordinate their fundraising efforts, scholarship applications, and community outreach programs across the region.

Although the organization’s services are delivered through partner studios and various event locations, the physical location for administrative purposes ensures a solid foundation within the local community. Furthermore, the organization is committed to accessibility in their administrative functions and where they host their direct programs.

The noted accessibility features ensure that the organization can interact with its community effectively:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• On-site parking

The services provided by Dancing For Eternity are fundamentally aimed at financial assistance and opportunity creation in the world of dance for Oklahoma youth. These services bridge the gap between passion and professional training for families who may struggle with tuition and other costs associated with dance education. The comprehensive nature of their support extends from semester-long scholarships to community engagement through seasonal events.

The essential services offered by this organization include:

• Providing dance scholarships to local students whose families cannot afford the costs of lessons.
• Offering financial and material support (such as new or gently used ballet shoes, leotards, and tights) to aspiring and emerging dance students.
• Hosting free, multi-day summer dance camps for local children, often including ballet technique and choreographed routines.
• Coordinating community-based fundraising drives and virtual events to sustain the scholarship fund.
• Collaborating with established local dance studios (e.g., Dove Dance School, A Step Above School of Dance) to place scholarship recipients in professional programs.
• Providing an application process for deserving students to be considered for financial aid and dance opportunities.
• Conducting faith-based devotions and worship-dance classes during their hosted programs.

The features and highlights of Dancing For Eternity emphasize its strong charitable foundation, community impact, and the depth of its dedication to the arts. As a faith-based, non-profit organization, its operations are transparent and focused on maximizing the number of scholarships awarded to students in the Oklahoma City metro area. The fact that the organization prioritizes its existing scholarship recipients for renewal underscores its commitment to long-term development and support, not just one-time assistance.

Key features and highlights include:

• Founded in memory of Hope Elizabeth Shaffer to fulfill her dream of providing dance lessons to children in need.
• Functions as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, meaning monetary donations are tax-deductible for community supporters.
• Strong partnerships with several established, high-quality dance studios in the local metro area for student placement.
• A mission that incorporates faith-based instruction alongside technical dance training.
• Hosts special, free community events like summer camps and virtual ballet classes to honor Hope's memory and engage the public.
• Relies on community support for financial donations and contributions of dancewear (shoes, leotards, tights).
• Maintains a low administrative overhead, focusing available funds primarily on student scholarships and program costs.
• The team comprises dedicated volunteers and directors who are committed to the organization’s mission and the local dance community.

For individuals in the Oklahoma area interested in supporting or learning more about the scholarship process, the primary contact information is:

Contact Information:

Address: 1321 Copperfield Dr, Edmond, OK 73003, USA

Phone: (405) 920-6404

What is profoundly worth choosing about Dancing For Eternity is its deeply personal and impactful mission for the local Oklahoma community. This organization is not merely an administrative body; it is a legacy of kindness, transforming a personal tragedy into a source of hope and opportunity for countless local children. For parents of aspiring dancers who face financial challenges, Dancing For Eternity is a direct answer to their prayers, providing funded slots at reputable, high-quality studios. For community members and businesses, it offers a tangible, tax-deductible way to support the arts, youth development, and a faith-based cause right here in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Choosing to support or engage with Dancing For Eternity means investing directly in the dreams of local youth, helping them to find the joy and discipline of ballet and dance that Hope Elizabeth Shaffer cherished. The dedication of the organization’s founders and team, their transparent use of funds (where approximately $750 covers one student’s scholarship for a season), and the consistent success in placing students in quality programs make it a distinguished and trustworthy non-profit. It stands as a beacon of community spirit in Edmond, ensuring that the beautiful art of dance remains accessible to all who have the passion to "keep dancing."

Dancing For Eternity

1321 Copperfield Dr, Edmond, OK 73003, USA