Help send Leslie to SAB New York
Donation protected
My name is Leslie Parada. I am currently 12 years old. My dream is to one day become a professional ballerina with New York City Ballet. Here is my story:
After watching a performance of The Nutcracker ballet at age 4, I knew I wanted to be a ballerina! From classes, privates, competitions, recitals, and productions, ballet is the primary focus of my life. I currently dance at Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica even though I live 1 hour and 30 minutes away! My teachers include former principal ballerinas from New York City Ballet, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, and Sacramento Ballet. I am a level 6 student and take 9 classes a week.
Here I am below in technique class at Westside. Photography by Todd Lechtick
For the past 2 summers I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the School of American Ballet's (SAB) young dancer workshop in Irvine, Ca. I studied with former New York City Ballet (NYCB) members who each joined the company at the invitation of George Balanchine, founder of SAB and NYCB. SAB's California workshop introduces students between the ages of 10 and 14 to SAB's renowned curriculum and faculty.
2014, my first year at the SAB workshop with my incredible teachers!
2015, my second year at the SAB workshop.
Not only have I been fortunate enough to attend the SAB workshops, I have also been able to take class with some amazing ballerinas that I look up to.
In the summer of 2015 I had the honor of doing a week long summer intensive at Westside with Tiler Peck. Tiler is a former Westside student. After two summers at SAB, Tiler was accepted to the year round program. She was asked to join New York City Ballet in 2005 and is now a principal with the company.
Tiler and I after class at Westside.
This year I was old enough to audition for SAB's 5 week summer course that is held in New York. Summer study is for intermediate and advanced students, 12 to 18 years old. For many students, SAB's summer course is a pivotal step in becoming a professional dancer. SAB is also the official school of New York City Ballet. I was so honored and truly humbled when I auditioned and received an invitation to the 2016 summer program! Out of over 2,000 students that auditioned I was one of the 200 picked. This has been my dream since I can remember!
Here I am at the SAB audition warming up.
Here is my acceptance letter! The best day of my life so far!
Summer courses are not cheap! I will have expenses which I am asking financial help for. Here is where you can become a part of my story in becoming the ballerina I am destined to be. The following is a breakdown of the costs that I am raising funds for:
Tuition $2,720
Room and Board $2,880
Registration Fee $75
Activity Fee $150
Laundry Fee $10
Roundtrip Airfare $600 (approx.)
Pointe Shoes $400 (approx. 3-4 pairs)
Ballet Shoes $50 (approx. 2 pairs)
Character Shoes $50
White Leotards $300 (approx. 6)
(dress code)
Black Leotards $300 (approx. 6)
(dress code)
Ballet skirts $100
(dress code)
Miscellaneous Travel Supplies $200
The deadline to leave a deposit to guarantee my spot in the program is January 25th, while the remainder is due by April 1, 2016. If you are financially able to help me with a contribution I will forever be grateful! If you are unable to do so then I ask for your prayers as I embark on this journey God has prepared for me.
Thank you all so much for the support you have given me throughout the years!I am also incredibly grateful to my dedicated parents, family, and teachers, past and present, who have helped get me to where I am.
With Love,
Leslie
After watching a performance of The Nutcracker ballet at age 4, I knew I wanted to be a ballerina! From classes, privates, competitions, recitals, and productions, ballet is the primary focus of my life. I currently dance at Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica even though I live 1 hour and 30 minutes away! My teachers include former principal ballerinas from New York City Ballet, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, and Sacramento Ballet. I am a level 6 student and take 9 classes a week.
Here I am below in technique class at Westside. Photography by Todd Lechtick
For the past 2 summers I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the School of American Ballet's (SAB) young dancer workshop in Irvine, Ca. I studied with former New York City Ballet (NYCB) members who each joined the company at the invitation of George Balanchine, founder of SAB and NYCB. SAB's California workshop introduces students between the ages of 10 and 14 to SAB's renowned curriculum and faculty.
2014, my first year at the SAB workshop with my incredible teachers!
2015, my second year at the SAB workshop.
Not only have I been fortunate enough to attend the SAB workshops, I have also been able to take class with some amazing ballerinas that I look up to.
In the summer of 2015 I had the honor of doing a week long summer intensive at Westside with Tiler Peck. Tiler is a former Westside student. After two summers at SAB, Tiler was accepted to the year round program. She was asked to join New York City Ballet in 2005 and is now a principal with the company.
Tiler and I after class at Westside.
This year I was old enough to audition for SAB's 5 week summer course that is held in New York. Summer study is for intermediate and advanced students, 12 to 18 years old. For many students, SAB's summer course is a pivotal step in becoming a professional dancer. SAB is also the official school of New York City Ballet. I was so honored and truly humbled when I auditioned and received an invitation to the 2016 summer program! Out of over 2,000 students that auditioned I was one of the 200 picked. This has been my dream since I can remember!
Here I am at the SAB audition warming up.
Here is my acceptance letter! The best day of my life so far!
Summer courses are not cheap! I will have expenses which I am asking financial help for. Here is where you can become a part of my story in becoming the ballerina I am destined to be. The following is a breakdown of the costs that I am raising funds for:
Tuition $2,720
Room and Board $2,880
Registration Fee $75
Activity Fee $150
Laundry Fee $10
Roundtrip Airfare $600 (approx.)
Pointe Shoes $400 (approx. 3-4 pairs)
Ballet Shoes $50 (approx. 2 pairs)
Character Shoes $50
White Leotards $300 (approx. 6)
(dress code)
Black Leotards $300 (approx. 6)
(dress code)
Ballet skirts $100
(dress code)
Miscellaneous Travel Supplies $200
The deadline to leave a deposit to guarantee my spot in the program is January 25th, while the remainder is due by April 1, 2016. If you are financially able to help me with a contribution I will forever be grateful! If you are unable to do so then I ask for your prayers as I embark on this journey God has prepared for me.
Thank you all so much for the support you have given me throughout the years!I am also incredibly grateful to my dedicated parents, family, and teachers, past and present, who have helped get me to where I am.
With Love,
Leslie
Organizer
Jessica Parada
Organizer
Lancaster, CA