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Like many studio members in Colorado Springs, the dancers at Turning Pointe School of Dance are busy during the holiday season. However, instead of just practicing The Nutcracker, these young artists are giving back to the community through outreach and service projects.

Turning Pointe’s mission is to encourage students to use their gifts and talents to bless others in the community. Its community ArtReach program makes free dance education and special performances accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

ArtReach also offers free dance classes for special-needs children from 9-9:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Join Turning Pointe dancers for an exciting class built entirely around the needs of individual children. The students explore rhythm and movement and its application to different styles of dance, while combining music and dance to express. Turning Pointe also hosts a free, monthly inclusion dance class called Dance Ability. Visit turningpointeschoolofdance.com for more information and class schedules.

The studio is hosting a food drive and volunteering with Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado this month. To donate food items, please drop off donations at the studio, 7667 N. Union Blvd.

Turning Pointe’s student company, Fidèle Youth Ballet, will perform at Springs Rescue Mission holiday events, and Turning Pointe students will dance in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the city through December. Students enjoy celebrating the joy of the holiday season with our community’s seniors.