For more than a decade, NRG Dance Project has electrified the national convention scene. But, beyond the inspirational classes and competition, the NRG team saw a deeper mission: to ensure every dancer, regardless of background or bank account, has access to the opportunities that can launch lifelong careers.
That vision sparked something extraordinary, The NRG Dance Future Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fueling the future of dance through scholarships, mentorship and training access. In just two short seasons, the Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships and grants to dancers and studios nationwide.
Founded by NRG Creator Rustin Matthew, the Foundation operates independently as a public charity with a clear goal – to remove financial barriers and amplify opportunity for dancers everywhere.
“It only takes one person to believe in you to change your life. We want every dancer to feel seen, supported, and inspired,” says Matthew.
NRG has always been about connection – students bonding with mentors, faculty nurturing the next generation, studios uniting in celebration of dance. The Foundation extends that spirit year-round. Its programs ensure that the spark dancers feel during an NRG weekend doesn’t fade when the lights go down. Through grants, mentorship and ongoing support, the Foundation helps dancers keep chasing their dreams long after the trophies are packed away.
One of the Foundation’s most meaningful initiatives is the $5,000 “Living the Dream” Scholarship, a professional launch grant for dancers on the brink of their careers. These funds help recipients relocate, attend auditions or cover living expenses as they begin their artistic journey.
At the community level, the Foundation’s Studio Grants create equally powerful impact. From $500 regional awards to $1,000 national grants, studios reinvest directly in their dancers, helping a student attend Nationals, pay for training or simply stay in class. The ripple effect strengthens the entire dance ecosystem.
What makes NRG’s approach revolutionary is its fusion of inspiration and infrastructure. Each NRG weekend now doubles as a fundraising and awareness platform, blending the emotion of performance with the purpose of philanthropy. From heartfelt scholarship presentations to real-time grant announcements, dancers witness firsthand how generosity fuels growth.
“Every time we hand out a scholarship, it’s not just a prize; it’s a promise,” says Board Member Mallauri Esquibel. “A promise that your talent matters, your story matters, and your future is worth investing in.”
The Foundation is guided by a dynamic Board of Directors, including Rustin Matthew (Executive Director and NRG Founder), Tracy Zee (Co-Founder, outreach and philanthropy), Laila Hardman (Director and inclusivity advocate), Melissa Lankston (Administrative Director and NRG General Manager), Ava Mitchell (choreographer and mentor), Mallauri Esquibel (Broadway performer), Lacey Schwimmer (Dancing with the Stars alum) and Rachael Markarian (commercial dancer and mentor). Together, this powerhouse leadership ensures financial barriers never hinder passion, purpose or performance.
As NRG heads into another action-packed season, the Foundation continues to grow in scale and ambition. The goal for 2026 – double its impact, creating more scholarships, expanding mentorship initiatives, and increasing grant opportunities for studios to keep dancers training.
From its high-energy beginnings to its heart-driven future, NRG has always stood for more than just great movement; it represents a full support system for dancers everywhere. Through the NRG Dance Future Foundation, that momentum is evolving into something powerful, purposeful and profoundly human.
“Energy (NRG) is contagious,” says Matthew. “When you empower one dancer, you ignite an entire community. That’s the future we’re building – one studio, one grant, one dancer at a time.”
To get involved, visit Nrgfuturefoundation.com to donate directly to scholarships and grants, or share impact stories on social media with #NRGFutureFoundation.
By Rustin Matthew for Dance Informa.
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