Why a Non Profit?
Why would the company want to be set up as a nonprofit?
During those first few meetings where the Ascendance studio was dreamed up - there was a lot of discussion surrounding the desire to create a studio that was focused around the community that was built. The desire was to create a wonderful place that would benefit from using any profits earned to re-invest back into the studio. This investment would benefit not only those that work for Ascendance but also those that attend our classes. We can invest in the programming we offer, we can invest in others to give them the opportunity to come see what being an aerialist is all about.
One benefit of a non profit is that there are no owners of a nonprofit. The company itself stands alone. There is no concern that any one person could decide that the company should be closed. No concern over a change in ownership. If any of our Directors or leaders need to step away from running the business, we simply need to find another community member to step into their position. What that means for the community is there is more continuity over time that we will continue to be what we are today. This will let the studio grow and evolve into many molds over time, and we hope will provide stability and longevity to the community as a whole.
Receiving our Section 501(c)(3) status from the IRS not only provides us (and those that donate to us) with a beneficial tax treatment. It also opens up many more avenues to apply for and obtain grants and other funding. The more we have access to, the more we can re-invest into the community! One way we re-invest into our community is by building special programs that were created to share pole and aerial arts.
Two such programs are our Scholarship Program which allows individuals to apply to request the studio pay a portion of their membership costs, and the Holding Space Program which brings together certain underrepresented groups and provides the space to enjoy movement within their group. Additional funding will help us expand both of these programs, and add many more (stay tuned for more on this later in the week!).
In the end, we are really over-the-moon excited to be "Officially Official" and can focus on our mission and vision. Here’s a little more on our Mission, Vision, and Our Values.
Mission
Ascendance Pole and Aerial Arts serves a diverse community, builds self-esteem, and empowers artistic expression in a supportive and safe environment.
Vision
Ascendance grew from the love of the pole community and a strong desire to make it more accessible. We believe in the transformative power of pole and aerial arts and how it positively impacts each person who participates. Combining physical activity and achievement in a safe and supportive environment builds confidence and empowerment in our students. By creating and fostering a positive learning environment and celebrating each other's successes, our students build a network of support, make friends, and build self-esteem- all of which they take with them out into the world. As the only not for profit pole studio in the region, we are committed to creating a positive community for our students and for performing artists. We are an inclusive community that welcomes everyone, with specific focus on the outreach to women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and the performing artists in the region.
Our Values
Have Fun!
Ascendance is our playground, and here it is recess all the time. We take full delight in fun, play, and laughter. We are here to cut loose and shake our asses, squeezing every drop of joy from each moment. If there is no music in the air, no cheers echoing from our walls...if there is no one hanging upside down...then there’s probably a global pandemic to contend with. You can bet we’ll be back at it when the coast is clear!
Community
We believe that as we learn together in class, as we give each other support, we bind ourselves together and create something entirely new. Our community is built through the common love of movement, education, and the beauty found in everyone. We accept all people. We celebrate all lifestyles. We are stronger together.
Grace & No Egos
Grace is more than elegance of movement. It is about leaving room for others to succeed in the place they are without fear of comparison. When we walk through the doors of Ascendance, we leave our egos behind. We give ourselves room to learn and grow, and to not be perfect. We reject assholes and embrace the perfectly imperfect.
Explore & Experiment
We encourage our students to investigate the meaning of pole and aerial arts for themselves. We want them to experiment and then tell us their unique stories with motion. Try something new, test and learn, create and recreate.
Sustainability & Longevity
Our art and our community is something that must be nurtured and grown over time. As individuals, we know that it takes time to develop mastery. As artists, we advocate for our medium, investing in what we love and pushing it forward to develop new audiences. As business leaders, we actively seek ways to reduce waste (material and otherwise) and to prevent burnout. Most importantly, we advocate for the sustainability and longevity of people. Understanding the power of our bodies and the connection of a healthy body to a healthy mind is true Ascendance.
What do you think? What questions can we answer? Are you excited about what Ascendance has planned for the future? Let us know in the comments below!