A group of Tulsa junior high students got their first exposure to ballet thanks to the generosity of a local DJ. Many of the students, most of whom are immigrants or refugees, learned they had a lot in common with their donor.

Valeriya Buvaylik is an English Language Development teacher at Nathan Hale Junior High. Buvaylik said she wanted her students to see a ballet performance, but many of them cannot afford it.

Buvaylik recently reached out to Steve Lozano, known as DJ Klave, to ask if he knew anyone who would sponsor, and the DJ was amped to step up. The 28 students, two teachers and DJ all visit Tulsa Ballet on April 15 to see Jack and the Beanstalk.

"It speaks to them volume,” said Buvaylik. “It speaks to them, 'Oh, I'm valuable. Somebody wants to invest in me.'"

Lozano is used to spinning beats, but this time he wanted to mix it up with ballet. "I was excited, especially I knew it was ballet, so music was involved, dancing was involved and that's a big part of my life," said Lozano.

For many students, it was their first arts performance. The ballet performers from all over the world answered questions after the show and inspired some students.

"I like how they did all those high stunts, how they like, lift up and twirl," said seventh grader Jamya Bennett.

The students thanked Lozano as they got to know each other after the performance. Lozano said he hopes this field trip helps turn up excitement for learning and the arts. "Just to see the happiness, it's worthwhile," said Lozano.

Buvaylik and Lozano said this is just the beginning of their friendship. The two plan to collaborate on more projects in the future.