Onco-Ballet Foundation

Background

The Onco-Ballet Foundation, established in October 2023 and based in Irvine, California, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free ballet classes to individuals affected by cancer. Its mission is to spark joy, facilitate healing, and promote self-expression through the art of ballet. By offering accessible dance programs, the foundation aims to support the physical and emotional well-being of cancer patients and survivors.

Key Strategic Focus

The foundation's primary objective is to deliver free or low-cost ballet classes tailored for the cancer community. These classes are designed to be inclusive, accommodating all skill levels and physical abilities, with modifications such as chair ballet for those with limited mobility. By integrating ballet techniques with therapeutic movements, the foundation addresses both the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals during and after cancer treatment.

Financials and Funding

As a nonprofit entity, the Onco-Ballet Foundation relies on donations and fundraising events to sustain its programs. In November 2024, the foundation celebrated its one-year anniversary with a performance fundraiser and silent auction, successfully raising over $20,000. These funds are allocated to expanding class offerings, training instructors, and developing new programs to reach a broader audience within the cancer community.

Pipeline Development

The foundation has been proactive in expanding its reach and impact. In February 2025, it conducted its inaugural teacher training workshop in Laguna Hills, California, equipping 15 instructors from various regions with the skills to lead Onco-Ballet classes. This initiative aims to establish a national network of instructors, enabling the foundation to offer classes in multiple locations and support more individuals affected by cancer.

Technological Platform and Innovation

While the Onco-Ballet Foundation does not utilize proprietary technologies, it innovatively combines traditional ballet techniques with therapeutic movements to create a unique program tailored for the cancer community. The curriculum includes modifications like chair ballet and movements adapted for individuals with limited range of motion, ensuring accessibility and safety for all participants.

Leadership Team

The foundation is led by a dedicated team of professionals:

Anna Wassman-Cox, Founder and Executive Director

Riti Bedi, President

Elizabeth Leykum, Vice President

Nicole Voris, Treasurer

Miranda Gerowitz, Secretary

Celia Spalding, Legal Counsel

Anna Wassman-Cox, a two-time breast cancer survivor and former professional ballet dancer, founded the organization to share the healing benefits of ballet with others facing similar challenges.

Leadership Changes

As of May 2025, there have been no significant changes or appointments within the foundation's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The integration of dance and movement therapies into cancer care is a growing trend, recognizing the physical and emotional benefits these programs offer to patients and survivors. Organizations like the Dancers Care Foundation and various hospital-based dance therapy programs contribute to this landscape, each offering unique approaches to support the cancer community through dance.

Competitor Analysis

Dancers Care Foundation: Focuses on raising funds for cancer research and supporting young dancers undergoing cancer treatment. While it shares a commitment to the cancer community, its primary emphasis is on fundraising and research support rather than providing direct dance classes.

Hospital-Based Dance Therapy Programs: Many medical institutions offer dance therapy as part of their integrative oncology services. These programs are typically conducted within the hospital setting and may not specifically focus on ballet or be as accessible to the broader community.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Onco-Ballet Foundation collaborates with various organizations to enhance its offerings and reach:

Hoag Hospital: Conducts regular Onco-Ballet classes for patients, integrating dance into the hospital's supportive care services.

Premier Dance Arts of Los Alamitos: Hosts monthly Onco-Ballet classes, providing a community-based setting for participants.

Well Beyond Breast Cancer: Partnered for the "Well Beyond Onco-Ballet" event in June 2024, combining ballet classes with physical therapy movements to support the cancer community.

Operational Insights

The foundation's strategic approach focuses on accessibility and inclusivity, offering free classes in both hospital and community settings. By training instructors nationwide, the foundation aims to expand its reach and provide consistent, high-quality programs to a diverse population. This model differentiates it from competitors by emphasizing direct community engagement and personalized support through ballet.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the Onco-Ballet Foundation plans to:

Expand Instructor Training: Continue developing a national network of certified instructors to offer classes in more locations.

Develop New Programs: Create specialized classes for different demographics within the cancer community, such as youth programs or sessions focusing on specific types of cancer.

Enhance Partnerships: Collaborate with additional healthcare providers and community organizations to integrate Onco-Ballet classes into comprehensive cancer care plans.

By leveraging its current strengths and focusing on these strategic areas, the foundation aims to broaden its impact and support more individuals on their healing journeys through ballet.