Greenwood dance studio scrambling to replace stolen costumes

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — A trailer stolen earlier this month from a Greenwood dance studio has been found, but thousands of dollars worth of costumes and props that were inside are still missing.

Inspire Dance Studio has a recital coming up in a few weeks and is scrambling to replace the stolen items.

As a nonprofit, the dance studio is relying on help from the community to get back on its feet.

The late-night heist in early May was caught on security video.

“We’ve never had any issues before, so this was a big surprise for us,” dance instructor Kerri Sullivan said.

Inside were costumes and props for their competition dance team, things the girls don’t understand why anyone would want to steal.

“You don’t want a bunch of blocks and steps and costumes,” dancer Kylie Sullivan said.

A week later, some items were found in a dumpster.

“And we retrieved just a few little things and stuff, but unfortunately the more costly stuff is missing still,” Kerri said.

Then this week, the trailer was found in an Indy impound lot.

“We were really hoping the costumes were in there,” she said. But it was empty.

They’re glad they won’t have to buy a new trailer, but the costumes are another story.

“We’re probably still out about a couple thousand dollars between the costumes and everything else,” she said.

They have regular tuition classes, but the group also provides scholarships.

“We rely on donations. We try to help out kids that don’t have the possibility of dancing because of money,” Kerri said.

Money to replace more than a hundred costumes hasn’t come easy, and the dancers are shaken up.

“We are definitely a little nervous just because we weren’t expecting this and we have recital in just a few weeks,” Kylie said.

They are thankful for some donations from the community.

“We’re getting some of the costumes replaced thanks to Dance Expressions, one of the dance studios,” Kylie said.

And as for the upcoming recital, Kerri said the show must go on.

“We’ll be able to pull it together. For that, the girls came up with a hashtag of ‘stolen props won’ t stop us now,’ so they’re determined,” Kerri said.

If you think you might be able to help, email inspiredanceinfo@gmail.com.