Hi! My name is Kinsey Love and dance, specifically ballet, is my passion. I’ve been dancing since the age of 6 when I took my very first ballet class and immediately fell in love with it. At first it was the excitement of getting to wear a pink leotard and put my hair in a teeny tiny bun. Soon after, it was the joy of performing in my first of 10 consecutive years of the Nutcracker (I’ve danced virtually every role from Angel, Ginger, and Soldier in my early
years to Clara, Dew Drop and Sugar Plum Fairy in my later years).



In my early teens, it was the the thrill of auditioning for and getting accepted into my first summer intensive program (I’ve attended a summer intensive every year since 2010 including prestigious programs such as San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Arizona and The Jillana School). At 16, it was the honor of being cast in my very first lead role - Cinderella (with roles such as Swanhilda, Clara, and Sugar Plum Fairy to follow). As a graduating high school senior, it was the pride when I learned I had been accepted on a ballet scholarship to the University of Utah, Department of Ballet - my first choice.



During my 13 years of dance, I’ve been blessed to have had amazing ballet instructors in all the various states I’ve lived (California, Texas, Washington, Utah and now Arizona). These instructors have motivated, inspired and mentored me and for each I am deeply grateful. I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today without their caring and commitment (and many, many corrections!).

After completing an incredible freshman year as a ballet major at the University of Utah, I made the difficult decision to put my college studies on hold to pursue my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I was offered the opportunity to study at the School of Ballet Arizona for the 2015-2016 year, a decision I do not regret. The faculty is amazing and I feel I have become a stronger, more well-rounded dancer. And now, the next step on my journey … to secure a Second Company position with a professional ballet company.



In January, I flew to Denver, Colorado to audition in front of over 15 professional ballet companies at the International Association of Blacks in Dance, 1st Annual Ballet Audition for Women. It was a wonderful learning experience with incredible exposure. Although many prestigious ballet companies were present, my hope was to catch the attention of Colorado Ballet. (A few years ago, while researching professional ballet companies, I fell in love with Colorado Ballet’s repertoire and have set my sights on hopefully dancing with them professionally in the future.) I am excited to say, I was offered a $1,000 scholarship with Colorado Ballet for their 2016 summer intensive and the opportunity to be evaluated for their Second Company for the 2016-2017 year.

While I am thankful and appreciative of the scholarship, the full cost of the 6 week program is over $5,000 ($2,600 tuition, $2,000 for room/board, plus travel expenses, pointe shoes, and incidentals). My parents in the past have always financially supported my ballet instruction and I couldn't be more thankful for them and their sacrifice. This year, however, after a family move to Arizona and with facing college tuition for my sister for the next 4 years, money is tight. I am trying to save and contribute as much as I can by working part-time at Applebee’s as a host, however, my ballet schedule only allows me to work 15-20 hours each week.

It’s not easy to reach out and ask for help from family and friends, however, this is exactly what I must do if I am to take this next step in realizing my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. My goal is to raise $3,000. Any size donation would mean the world to me and gets me one step closer to my goal of attending Colorado Ballet’s summer intensive and having the opportunity to be evaluated for their Second Company. I look forward to sharing updates on my training this summer for all who are interested. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!