An SUV crashed through the Dynamic Divas of Princess Anne studio on Mt. Vernon Road at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, tearing through the side of the building before exiting through the front, according to studio director Leslie Nelson.
No children or staff members were inside at the time.
Photos from the aftermath show a gaping hole ripped through the front of the studio, with walls buckled, windows shattered and insulation, glass and other debris scattered across the parking lot.
The crash destroyed key structural walls along with personal property and a large portion of the studio's dance supplies and equipment, Nelson said.
The damage was enough to leave the studio uninhabitable.
For Dynamic Divas, that's about more than losing a place to practice.
The studio serves dancers between the ages of 5 and 17, offering majorette and hip-hop training while giving local kids what Nelson described as a safe outlet centered around fitness, teamwork, confidence and leadership.
Its dancers also represent Somerset County at regional competitions and take part in parades, showcases and other community events.
Now, the group is scrambling to find somewhere else to go.
A GoFundMe launched after the crash is seeking money to secure a replacement space and cover deposits, rent and emergency setup costs, as well as replace flooring, mirrors, sound equipment, mats, costumes, props and other supplies lost in the wreck.
The crash has also prompted a broader response from the surrounding community.
Figi 4 the Kids Inc., a Drug-Free Communities Coalition located nearby, is organizing an impaired-driving awareness event at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25 outside its Mt. Vernon Road location.
The organization cited the crash at Dynamic Divas in announcing the demonstration and urged residents, business owners, elected officials, law enforcement, parents and youth organizations to attend.
"This is bigger than one incident," organizers said. "It is about all of us working together to prevent impaired driving and protect the places where our children gather."
Authorities have not provided information confirming whether impairment played a role in the crash.
For the Dynamic Divas, meanwhile, the focus is getting their young dancers back on their feet.
"We will rebuild," Nelson said, "and we will keep our dancers moving forward."
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