TEMPLE HILLS, Md. — WUSA9 is getting uplifted with the power of the arts thanks to one local man's passion.
That passion -- dance, which is helping young people who might not be otherwise able to experience the joy of dance.
Xaviour Smith was the son of a father who was incarcerated and a single mother. With a household of six family members in a low-income home, Smith was unable to pursue his love of dance in a private academy.
In addition, him being a boy he says he was excluded from joining his school's dance team, but that didn't stop him from being a beacon of hope for others.
At 13 years old he formed his own dance troupe for kids aged 8 to 18. Now, after 13 years, 1101 Dance Academy, in Temple Hills, Maryland, does ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, majorette, pom and tumbling.
It's a safe space for not only dance but provides educational and mentorship services as well. The group is a traveling performing and competitive dance program.
Coach X, as he is known, is the only coach and sole owner. On top of all of this, he comes out of pocket for all costs.
With the competitive dance season coming up 1101 Dance Academy could use the help of the community. The program has a GoFundMe asking for people to donate and support if they can.
The funds are said to be used for uniforms, travel, and event fees.
"I am funding everything out of pocket, in turn, this is a significant financial burden on myself in being a full-time worker and student," Smith said on the GoFundMe page. "I am seeking support from you on behalf of my program to ensure that our mission in providing high quality dance education services to low-income students is honored at all times."
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