WINTER PARK, Fla. — Emotions Dance, a Central Florida nonprofit organization, is scaling back programming after Gov. Ron DeSantis cut more than $32 million in arts and culture funding from the state budget.

Emotions Dance was allocated to receive $30,000 from the state. 

Without funding now, artistic director and choreographer Larissa Humiston is trying to figure out what to do next.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis left out more than $32 million in funding for the arts from the state budget

  • Organizations like Emotions Dance, a nonprofit organization, is having to scale back on programming. It was set to receive $30,000 from the state before the cuts

  • Instead of doing four shows this year, Emotions Dance is now doing three. If things don’t get better, that number could drop to two

Humiston started the organization in 2007 because of her passion for dancing.

It’s what drives her to be better, not only for herself, but for others. 

“I love making art. I love making dances. I love creating art with a message and bringing together the community,” Humiston said.

The dancers use their platform to focus on social and environmental issues through the art of dance. Currently, the group is holding performances on the seven deadly sins every fourth Saturday of the month at the College Park Gallery.

However, those dances could come to a halt. Humiston said a little bit of money goes a long way.

The organization is now planning for three shows this year, instead of four. And if they don’t receive enough funding, Humiston said that number could drop to two.

“Rehearsal space costs money. Costumes cost money. I don’t want these dancers to work for free. They’re hard-working artists who deserve to be paid for their time,” Humiston said. 

Jacquelyn Cheffer has been with Emotions Dance for five years. 

While she enjoys tapping into her potential, she’s worried about the funding cuts. 

“We form a really special bond as dancers, and then we portray a really special bond on stage. It’s hard. We’re normally already struggling with the funding, so the cuts really make it hard for us to go out and do our mission,” Cheffer said. 

But no matter what, the group is putting its best foot forward to weather the storm.

“All of these dancers want to be here. They do it because they love it, not because they’re making millions. It would be devastating if this had to change,” Humiston said. 

The nonprofit also offers dance classes for residents.

If you would like to help the nonprofit, here is how you can donate.