The Andalusia Ballet Association has launched a $700,000 fundraising drive to complete the top floor of the Church Street Cultural Arts Centre.

The Ballet Association moved into the building in the fall of 2011, after entering an agreement with the City of Andalusia in which the association contributed $500,000 to the renovation of the former Church Street Elementary School, and agreed to become the managing tenant.

The initial work included three studios, offices, dressing rooms and a board room on the middle (ground) floor, and basic work on the basement floor. The Ballet Association has since built out a kitchen and small event space, as well as costume storage.

Now it’s time to move to the top floor, Meryane Martin Murphy, artistic director of the Andalusia Ballet, said.

“We already have piano lessons, yoga, Pilates, and Barre  Energy classes here,” Murphy said. “Finishing the third floor will make this more of a community facility and allow us to incorporate more things.”

Murphy said the Andalusia Ballet Association has written some grants and has some commitments for the project.

“We hope we can do this for the community with the community’s help,” Murphy said.

She would like to have space for other music classes, art classes, and other arts-related activities. The third floor plans include an additional studio, classrooms, HVAC, and restroom facilities.

As Alabama celebrates its bicentennial this year, the Ballet will use the theme “Stars Fell on Alabama” for its 2019-2020 season.

“Everything we do will celebrate Alabama,” Murphy said. “This seems like a great time to do this.”

The fundraising will begin with a brick and cornerstone campaign. Bricks are $100, and can be personalized with three lines and 15 spaces per line. Cornerstones can be personalized with six lines and 15 spaces per line.

For additional information, call the Ballet at 334.222.6620, or visit the website at www.andalusiasballet.com. Brick and cornerstone campaign forms also are available here.