Performing Stars is developing a
strategic plan called 2020 Vision.
“We need to attract more fund-
ing to bring in more kids.” Includ-
ed in this vision is raising their
annual budget, now $250,000,
to a new goal of $500,000 with-
in the next three years. Felecia
emphasized, “It’s critical that we
build a strong foundation for our
ongoing sustainability.”
secret ingredient was Felecia’s
“Big Momma Style,” a complete
support system.
“We provide lunches, transpor-
tation, dance slippers, even how
to put their hair up in a bun. As
importantly, we train the self-con-
fidence and social skills that these
kids will need to succeed in life.
We focus on good manners, act-
ing right, looking right - all those
things that represent who you
are.”
Felecia emphasized that “our
name is Performing Stars, but
we are evolving beyond just arts
performance to an overall ap-
proach to perform at your best.
It’s important that we branch out
and provide a broader mission
of services and activities that will
provide healthy, thriving kids,
which in turn provides a healthy
community.”
specialist for Bank of America.
She was in the second group of
students who received a scholar-
ship to attend the Marin Ballet. “I
remember receiving my Perform-
ing Stars of Marin recognition
award in front of my friends and
feeling so proud to be part of
this organization. I still have my
rewards hanging on my wall.”
“Felicia helped me greatly, stat-
ed Ryan Turner. “She informed
me about a scholarship from the
Narada Michael Walden Founda-
tion. Because of her, I was able to
get the scholarship, and I am now
attending the Academy of Art.
Because of her, I’ll be able to live
worry-free.”
Performing Stars is also
seeking new partnerships
with corporations, social clubs,
and individuals interested in
adopting a particular program
and underwriting its cost. For
example, Glassdoor in Sausalito is
partnering with Performing Stars
and has provided volunteers.
“Digital literacy is the wave of
the future for these kids, so I
would particularly like to work
with high-tech companies to have
our kids prepared to go into the
workforce,” Felicia stated.
“Sometimes when I was wait-
ing for the kids to come out of
practice and the mothers were
coming to pick up their girls, they
would see me surrounded by all
these little girls and say “Are all
these your kids?” In a way, yes—
Big Momma Style.
“What is most important is
the cultural enrichment aspect
of what we do. Most of the
kids don’t go on to become
professionals in theater or ballet.
But because of their confidence,
they might want to be a police
officer, business owner or another
profession.”
Nichele Haynes is a licensed cos-
metologist and esthetician. “Ev-
ery day I utilize many of the skills
I acquired from Performing Stars,
including leadership, teamwork,
manners, etiquette, and respect.”
Colleen Dieu is a sales and service
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Marin Arts & Culture