Velocity Forever! The 4 1 1 on the $700K

Our blog has moved!

2010-08-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

For all new blog entries, please check out the blog on Velocity's website

411 on BFA

2010-06-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

We have succesfully completed the first phase of Velocity Forever - our Capital Campaign!
Velocity had its Grand Opening at the end of March and has been offering an awesome schedule of classes ever since. Every day. Every week. Yoga, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Body Rock, Indian & African (to name just a few!)
Join us as we enter Phase Two of Velocity Forever! The entire dance community along with the support of the City, State, and other granting organizations, are helping us meet our goal to continue to improve Velocity's new home!

The 411: Our Development Director Shannon Stewart has just completed the Building for the Arts grant - give her a call and tell her how thankful you are - better yet, save Shannon weeks of paper work on another grant and make your own generous donation!
Velocity Dance Center 206-325-8773

Were U at SCUBA?

2010-05-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Do you make it to last weekend's SCUBA show?
Congratulations to the artists, Velocity and YOU for making SCUBA a SOLD OUT success!
Read review here

And be sure to follow these two SCUBA artists to find out what they're doing next -
LOCUST
Jacinta Vlach/Liberation Dance Theater

Speaking of what's next... after a year hiatus, one of Velocity's most popular, homegrown, dynamic, challenging & rewarding programs is BACK and better than ever!
Strictly Seattle 2010!
Make yourself proud & reserve your spot today by calling or emailing
T. 206.325.8773 / info@velocitydancecenter.org
(or kick yourself later for wishing you had!)

SCUBA in the New Space!

2010-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Velocity Dance Center's inaugural performance program in our new facility!

Velocity Dance Center is pleased to present the seventh annual edition of the SCUBA: National Touring Network for Dance

featuring the dynamic pairing of
Seattle’s Amy O’Neal / locust and San Francisco’s Jacinta Vlach / Liberation Dance Theater.

Get a sneak peak of Amy O’Neal / locust here!

And a short of Jacinta Vlach / Liberation Dance Theater here!

Get your tickets Here

For all you Capitol Campaign donors, come see what you've made possible!
And if you haven't given to Velocity's Capitol Campaign, come see what you could be helping to make possible - and then donate!

Your Own Private Tour

2010-05-05T22:25:00.001-07:00

Would you like your own private tour of Velocity Dance Center's new space with Velocity's fabulous Development Director Shannon Stewart?
I thought you would! Everybody's doing it.
Tour starts NOW!

The Greatest Move On Earth!

2010-04-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Check you out! The pictures from Velocity's Grand Opening are finally here! Courtesy of The Adventure School - who, along with all of you sweet people,made it a spectacular event!

2010-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEKEND @ Velocity: Benefit Master Classes! ♥

Saturday:
2-3:30 Advanced Modern with Michelle Miller
3:30-5 Intermediate Modern with Ellie Sandstrom+ Zeke Keeble

Sunday:
12-1:30 Int/Adv Ballet with Hannah Wiley + Paul Moore

Join us to polish your moves and help benefit the Velocity Forever Capital Campaign! Photo courtesy Tim Summers

The Greatest Move on Earth

2010-03-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

Velocity Dance Center’s Grand Opening Celebration
March 27-April 4, 2010

Velocity Dance Center will celebrate its move from the Odd Fellows Building to a stunning new home at 1621 12th Avenue on Capitol Hill with a parade, ribbon cutting and circus-themed party on March 27, 2010. The parade, featuring surprise guests, kicks off a full week of free events and classes March 27–April 4, 2010.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

PARADE
March 27 5:00pm
Join the procession from the Odd Fellows Building (915 East Pine Street) to our new home at 1621 12th Avenue!

RIBBON CUTTING
March 27 6:30pm
Christen the new space with supporters and local luminaries!

GRAND OPENING PARTY
March 27 7pm–11pm
Velocity’s new space becomes a three-ring circus of food, fun and festivities!

FREE CLASSES AND REHEARSALS
March 28th – April 3rd

MASTER CLASSES
April 3rd and 4th | 2-6pm

Thank You Capital Campaign Donors!

2010-03-09T11:20:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all of the businesses and individuals who donated last week to Velocity's Capital Campaign!

Pacific Continental Bank
Jeremy Steward
Alan & Juliet Pruzan
Lisa Thompson
Robert & Pamela Gregory
Carol Sanders
Kristin Gentile

Your donations will keep the new studio space thriving for years to come. Thank you!

Call For Volunteers!

2010-02-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

WHAT: Velocity Moving Party
WHEN: Saturday February 20th, 8am to 5pm
WHERE: 1621 12th Ave

We're now well into 2010 and that means that Velocity Dance Center is poised to open up it's new space!

Before this happens, there is a lot of work left to be done. Construction of our new home is in its last stages. The next step is get the theater installed and the office up and running. Much of the office equipment and lighting system is in storage in Pioneer Square and needs to be moved back to Capitol Hill. We are looking for volunteers to help load up the equipment and help put it in its new home.

To sign up email: info@velocitydancecenter.org or call: 206.325.8773

New Donors and More Progress!

2010-01-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

The new Velocity is changing fast! There is now an HVAC system (air conditioning in the theater! can I hear a hell yeah?), the beginnings of sprung floors in Studio 2 and 3 and beautiful skylights in the main studio/theater.

These donations just in:

Joel Leshefka/20twenty
Kara O'Toole
Sarah Rudinoff
Laura Henderson

Thanks a million!

Many Thanks to the Painters!

2010-01-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

Just after the New Year, some dedicated volunteers came to the new Velocity space and covered the peach and cherry red walls in the office with fabulously warm cream and gold colors.

Many thanks to Crispin and Andrea for organizing our painting party and to these fine volunteers for getting their hands dirty in the name of dance (or dance administration).

Maia Lassen-Purser

Maile Martinez

Andrea Wagner

Dale and Noah Sather

Joshua Windsor

Jeremy Steward

Eric Hartman

Velocity Thanks our latest campaign donors!

2009-12-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Huge thanks to our latest campaign donors:

Team Diva Real Estate
Retail Therapy
Matt Gilson
THE PRUZAN FOUNDATION (woot woot!)
PAUL G. ALLEN FAMILY FOUNDATION

And all those who attended the incredible Michael Jackson Dance Off --a collaborative fundraising event with the Century Ballroom. We were able to raise over a bunch of money and learn "Beat It."

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! - THE TENANT IMPROVEMENT PERMIT

2009-12-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

About three weeks ago the city had all the paperwork it needed from both Velocity and our landlord in order to approve our application for beginning tenant improvement construction in our new space. They said we could get it in 48 hours. This unfortunately was right in the middle of the city's budgeting process and happening amidst rampant cuts and staff layoffs, so we didn't hold our breath on getting it immediately.

Kara got a phone call about our permit being ready three weeks later and immediately headed down to the DPD to pick it up. Things were tense in that office and as she waited for the front desk person to get our permit out of a huge box of paperwork, she tried to ignore the man with his face in his hands. "It's not here," the lady said. And after a short pause, "I'm just playing with ya."

real funny.

but, anyway, we have it!!! full steam ahead!

THIS IS NOT A FLASH MOB

2009-10-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Attendees follow Amy O and Karn Junkinsmith in a mini routine to sledgehammer at Velocity's Groundbreaking Party. The original group was about 30 people - suits, babies, glasses of champagne in hand. All had to participate so no one was able to get a video.

Breakin' Ground

2009-10-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Come join us for our groundbreaking ceremony! Celebrate the beginning of Velocity's new home.
After months of fundraising, permitting, and construction planning, we are able to start demolition effectively starting the countdown to our much-anticipated relocation!

On Wednesday October 28th, join our groundbreaking party to celebrate the start of the build out!

Breaking Ground on the New Velocity Dance Center
Wednesday, October 28th | 5:30pm - 7:00pm
1621 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98112
Toasts, Walk-Throughs, and Special Guest Performances.
I've heard rumors of special sledgehammer dance phrases and some fiddlin'!

AND take a look at latest contributors to the Velocity Forever capital campaign!

Andrew Chapman
Shawn Jezerinac
Carol Sanders
Michael Steward*
Jens Wazel
Deborah Wolf

Thank you all for your support and generosity!

* Yes, Michael Steward IS Jeremy Steward's brother - SO don't forget to ask your family and friends to support what's important in your life, you never know what they might contribute on your behalf!

First Velocity Work Party A Success!

2009-10-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who helped out this weekend and last with clearing out our new home at 1221 12th Ave. With all your hard work we are one step closer to starting construction on the space! Demolition is rolling right along - the proof is in the photo.

Again thanks to our great team of volunteers:

Michael Rutter
Jenny Gerber
Anne Lawrence
KT Niehoff
Kirby Kallas-Lewis
Jason Svendsen
Jared Vincench
Joe Timmons
Ryan Faught

When the Walls Come Tumblin Down

2009-10-20T15:29:00.001-07:00

Building Carnage. . . Signs of Progress.

Destruction in Studio 3

Mark and Jake from Model Remodel

An extreme diet for extreme work.

Thanks to our new campaign donors! Still have some tickets left!

2009-10-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

Super Big Thank Yous to Today's Awesome New Campaign Donors :

Hendri Walujo
Sara Jinks and Laurel Canan
Sandra Fried
Mari London
Joerg Gablonsky

Also, we still have some Hubbard Street Tickets left for 10/23, If you want to check availability before making your donation of $100 or greater, then please email shannon(at)velocitydancecenter.org.

Also, there's a rumor that we might actually be starting demolition in the new building tomorrow!!!

Donate to Velocity and Get Hubbard Street Tix!

2009-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning dedicated Velocity supporter,

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Seattle Theater Group to provide tickets to their upcoming presentation of Hubbard Street Dance. We have 60 tickets available and we will be giving a pair to the next 30 people who donate to our Velocity Forever Campaign at the $100 level or greater.

Click here to make a gift (make sure to include your email address within your information!).

Don't miss this opportunity to see a great dance company during their 30th anniversary season, and in doing so help Velocity Dance Center move into a new home on Capitol Hill!

For more information on Hubbard Street Dance's performance visit:
stgpresents.org and come to the Hubbard Street master class on October 22nd at 10am at Velocity!

For more information, feel free to contact Shannon Stewart shannon(at)velocitydancecenter.org.

New Velocity 200 Donors

2009-10-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Super big thanks to our latest Velocity Forever Donors:

Sheli Potmesil
Yuki Enomoto (donating all the way from japan!)
Team Diva Real Estate
Shannon Barnes
Amanda Goodwin
Lauren Williams

Much appreciation to Jessica Miller for making a monthly donation! Donations made on an ongoing basis truly sustain Velocity.

Velocity Thanks Kelly Sullivan for all Her Hard Work!

2009-09-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Kelly Sullivan's last day working as Development Associate at Velocity Dance Center and we want to give her a special shout out. For the last two years, Kelly has been tirelessly writing grant proposals, thanking donors, planning events and successfully managing many a random projects that come her way. I can hardly comprehend how much work she did for Velocity and how much she will be missed. Thanks Kelly!

Great Photos of people in the space pre-construction

2009-09-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Tim Summers took these awesome photos in the new space.

We're still waiting on the certificate of occupancy from the city before we can begin construction. More news in the next two weeks.

La Charme

2009-09-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Behold La Charme. . .

Donating is fun.

2009-09-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

The last $50 donation I processed for Velocity's new space was made in honor of a birthday lap dance performed by Waxy Moon at the Single Ladies Dance Off.

Who says fundraising is boring?

The Velocity Forever 200 Club Inaugural Members - $48,000!

2009-09-18T16:59:00.001-07:00

Hiya! Welcome to the Velocity Forever blog, a webspace created for Velocity staff and volunteers to share the good word of generosity and progress that comes across the development desk and computer screen on a regular basis. That is, the names, gifts, and words of encouragement from the Velocity donor community, people that are helping Velocity land safe and sound in a new home.

As development director, tracking this progress is something that I think should be open to everyone and am super excited to share! We have some seriously selfless folks out there, some mildly wealthy people, and a LOT of broke artists scraping together monthly donations to this campaign. It's totally awesome.

Still, between now and Jan of 2010, Velocity needs 140 more donors to join our Velocity 200 Club by making a doantion to the Capital Campaign.

The following people have stepped up to the plate and become an inaugural givers to the campaign.

Glen Kawasaki
Jeremy Steward
Anne Lawrence
Fumi Murakami
Ahsan Kabir
Mari London and Mark Popich
Eliza Larsen
Isabelle Bouanna
David True and Sara Hufbauer
Pam and Bob Gregory
Wendy Cohen
Beth Hamby
Lisa Sedor
Neil Coffey
Roel Hammerschlag & Michele Landa
Abigail Halperin & Christian Swenson
Kathleen Kerschbaum & Robert Cunningham
Sarah Rudinoff
Hannah Wiley
Violette Tucker
Sharron & Dan O'Donnell
Kitty Daniels
Carla Barragan
Jessica Gleason
Marissa Niederhauser
Jessica Young
Lisa Perpuse
Michael S. Geiger
Liz Young
Cathy Dorson
Margaret Salome
Kristin Gentile
Melissa Conklin
Maki Morinoe
Eliza Larsen

What a great start! VFF! Velocity Hearts You.

A little background. . .
Velocity Forever is a capital campaign to relocate and build out a new facility for Velocity Dance Center. Having secured the perfect building, Velocity needs everyone's participation to transform the raw space into a center for training, performance, and community gathering. The campaign is about $700K (not to big for a capital campaign) and we need to raise about 1/7 of that from individuals.

***********
In other fundraising news, when I opened the Murdock grant that I have been working on for 6 months, it looked like this

!@#$@%$ #$%^^$%*^&*(^&)
@$@$#$^
%^&^&(&*()

and I almost lost it. Luckily, I restarted everything and it was fine.

OH AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE SINGLE LADIES DANCE OFF TOMORROW NIGHT! It can simply not be missed.

Until next time,

Shannon