The Motherlode July 2025

Local Nonprofits You Should Know Making a Difference with Movement and History

by Sarah Amyot

Looking to make a positive impact right here in Anne Arundel County? As part of our ongoing series highlighting local nonprofits, we’re featuring several organizations making a real difference in our community. Whether it’s lending a hand as a volunteer, contributing financially, or offering your unique talents, there are plenty of ways to get involved and support these causes. The Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM)* in Annapolis, the state’s premier professional ballet company, has enriched Anne Arundel County’s cultural landscape for over 45 years. With a diverse repertoire including classical ballets like “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker,” and original contemporary works, BTM presents more than 20 full-length performances each season. These productions bring high-caliber dance to local audiences and attract visitors to the area, supporting the regional arts economy. Beyond performance, BTM is committed to arts education and community engagement. Its Conservatory of Dance offers a comprehensive program for students ages 3 through adult, with specialized classes such as Adaptive Dance for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Through school assemblies and outreach programs, BTM helps cultivate an early appreciation for the arts among

local youth. BTM plays a vital role in nurturing creativity, expression, and cultural growth throughout Anne Arundel County. Ballet Theatre of Maryland dancer Lindsey Bell and guest artist Jackson Kettell pose in front of the Swan Corps de Ballet in Swan Lake. Photo credit: John Welch.

• How can you help? Visit balletmaryland.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and upcoming performances, or donate to support their mission. Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident with fun, experience-based curricula that creatively include movement. Its physical activity- based, positive youth development (PA-PYD) programs feature evidence-based instruction, trained coaches, and a commitment to serving all girls. The Girls on the Run program for third through fifth graders teaches life skills, such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and completing a celebratory, non- competitive 5K event, providing the framework for confidence through accomplishment.

Girls on the Run participants stretching before a practice, where they will build social, psychological, and physical skills and behaviors to help them successfully navigate life experiences. Photo credit: Girls on the Run.

JULY 2025 | 45

* denotes Annapolis Moms Media Community Supporters.

Powered by