The idea and concept of Balance was created by Caitlin Emery, Rachel Glickhouse and Oliver Truong in the Spring of 2004. The three founders recognized the lack of and need for ballet opportunity on the campus of The George Washington University. The organization was formally recognized as a student organization at GW in September 2004. After holding an interest meeting, Balance formed around a few members who became that academic year's (2004-2005) execuitive board. The positions were as followed: President- Caitlin Emery, Vice-President- Janine Beha, Secretary-Scheduler- Oliver Truong, Treasurer- Rachel Glickhouse, Class/Rehearsals Chair- Kelly Holmes and Special Events Chair- Ami Joglekar.

With members in place, the leaders of Balance moved towards providing free student-taught classes, hosting social events, and planning performances. Classes were based in Lloyd Gym Dance & Exercise Studio at the Mt. Vernon Campus with the generous help from the Mt. Vernon Campus Life organization.

Social events, mainly movie nights, were also held. Films screened included dance-related, Center Stage, Billy Elliot, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, as well as non-dance related, The Notebook.

With membership slowly growing, Balance produced its first performance, Act II of The Nutcracker. The performance included 11 dancers and attracted an audience of over 100 to the Hand Chapel on the Mt. Vernon Campus. The great success of "Nutcracker" earned Balance its first honor: The December Spotlight Award recognizing outstanding student organization achievement by the Student Activities Center, Mt. Vernon Campus Life and the Marvin Center.

The following Spring, Balance continued with its offering of free classes and events. Members of Balance choreographed and performed two pieces in the annual Student Performance Art and Dance Event (SPADE) in March which further increased awareness of Balance at GW.

A Spring performance of classical variations and new choregraphy was held in the Hand Chapel. This performance also drew a large audience of about 100. To cap off Balance's amazingly successful first year, Balance was invited to the 20th annual Excellence Awards for Student Life.

Three years later, in the Spring of 2007, the seven original members performed in their final Balance performance along with forty other dancers, the largest Balance show yet! Their organization had grown from three people into a group of over one hundred members. Balance members are forever grateful for the founders and their hard work!

The Founders (Janine Beha not pictured)

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