Jade Nair will enter the American Ballet Theater on a full scholarship after studying at the Uptown Dance Academy. (Photo by Herbert Delancey)

One of the most affordable and well-known dance schools in Harlem is struggling to keep its doors open since losing half its government financing, its founder says.

“In 2008, we received $40, 000” in City Council grants, with Councilwoman Melissa Mark Viverito providing the greatest proportion, says Uptown Dance Academy founder and director Robin Williams. “This year we only received $20, 000.”

Since the cutbacks, the school has laid off a number of senior dancers and administrators, forcing parents and community members to step in and help with its daily operation.

Although the academy has retained some newer and younger instructors, it still revolves around Williams, in her early 50s, who has deferred her own salary in hopes of keeping the school open. She has resumed working as a dancer to supplement her income.

“I am unable to have assistants to teach in my place if I need to be absent, because they would need to be paid,” she explains.

Despite the school’s financial difficulties, enrollment is still increasing, with more than 120 ballerinas tiptoeing through the door every week. Parents who can afford the fees $55 a month, pay; if they can’t the school awards scholarships.

“People know that their kids are getting off the street, and also it gives them the opportunity to get into specialized schools,” Williams says. She believes that many students’ parents couldn’t afford the schools – including the Talent Unlimited High School and Professional Performing Arts School – that accept her protégés and provide financial aid.

Launched 14 years ago, the academy has produced a number of African-American ballet stars. Its latest success story is Jade Nair, 13, just accepted into the American Ballet Theatre on a full scholarship.

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Precious Williams, also known as “Mama Williams” or Robin’s mother, says that “it’s the desire in the director” that has propelled the school and its students. “She loves what she is doing so much and puts so much into it that radiates in the atmosphere,” she says of her daughter.

Mama Williams, who describers herself as “chief cook and bottle washer,” also helps with administrative work and volunteer training. Although she says dancing is in her blood, she never learned ballet, but promised herself that her daughter could.

The school has recently increased the size of its board of directors and parents’ association in hopes of attracting more donors. It has also raised fees and hopes that events like “The Black Nutcracker,” scheduled for the end of this year, will help raise money.

Read additional stories on the Struggling Arts special report.