Hello,

My name is Ashlee Blosser, and as most of you know, I am a B.F.A. Candidate in Dance at California State University, Long Beach. This semester I had the opportunity to audition for River North Dance Chicago's Summer Training Program (Jul 18-Aug 12), and was accepted. River North Dance Chicago is an international critically acclaimed company known for their athletic prowess, bold, theatrical flair, and dynamic repertoire. Their workshops and summer training programs are uniquely designed to improve technique, enhance performance ability, supply important health information, and to deepen dancer’s passion through knowledge of the art form in an energizing, professional environment. As incredible as this opportunity is, the cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses in Chicago are unfortunately expensive.

Being a dance major at CSULB, I spend 50 to 60 hours of my week dedicated to the education of dance and my growth as an artist. Due to my demanding school schedule, the few hours I work at Starbucks is not enough; therefore, my parents have had to support me 100% so I can focus on getting good grades and following my dream. I come from a large family of seven, so in addition to sending me to college, my parents also support four other daughters. Between their stretched finances and my almost nonexistent paychecks, what we have been able to put side so far cannot cover all the costs for this esteemed summer program.

It is not in my character to ask people for money, but this opportunity is incredibly important to me, and I cannot pass it up. We are putting aside what we can, but any help to send me to this distinguished pre-professional training intensive would be greatly appreciated.

After graduation, I aspire to be in a modern/contemporary company and work collaboratively with artists around the world involving site-specific works and eventually continue my education to attain an M.F.A. in Dance. Attending River North Dance Chicago's Summer Program will prepare me for my last semester in college and life after college. Training with RNDC will broaden my technique and performance experience, and I will receive expert guidance in all aspects of career development. Performing and choreographing are aspirations I have for my dance career, and RNDC's summer program will allow me these pre-professional opportunities. Also, I will gain connections with highly acclaimed teachers/choreographers for references for future job options.

We will be adjusting the dollar amount with what we can put aside as we go to offset the GoFundMe goal. Contributions will go towards tuition, the cost of travel, and the cost of living in Chicago. Below is a summary of how I will spend my time at RNDC, and there are links with more information about the RNDC's company and training programs! Thank you for your consideration, love, and support!

If you are interested in finding out more about ym dance career or seeing videos of my dancing and choroegraphy please check out my professional wesbite! http://ashleeblosser.wix.com/dance 

PC: Gregory R.R. Crosby

The session is four weeks long (Jul 18-Aug 12) with daily classes anchored by ballet and jazz technique. Additional weekly classes include improvisation, Pilates, yoga, conditioning, dance history and injury prevention. Seminars will be held to educate us dancers in ‘Nutrition for Elite Athletes’, ‘Careers in Dance On and Off the Stage’, ‘Auditioning’, and ‘Budgeting, Working and Dancing’. The last week of the summer program is the Elite Choreographic Initiaive which is a phenomenal opportunity for me to work closely with one of these esteemed choreographers: Hanna Brictson, Becca Lemme, Tom Mattingly, Adam McGaw, and Ahmad Simmons.

About RNDC
RNDC Level 7 Summer Program 
RNDC Elite Choreographic Initiative
RNDC Training Opportunities

PC: Gregory R.R. Crosby