Help Lydz pay for the Darmasiswa program!

What is Darmasiswa you say? Well Darmasiswa is a program through the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture that accepts 755 students from around the world to study at universities in Indonesia. 

So, I decided to apply and was accepted!! I'm so excited to go back to school and dedicate the next year of my life entirely to dance. For those of you who don't know me well, I've been studying Balinese gamelan for 10 years. During that time I've taken a few dance classes but have mostly focused on the music. This year I became obsessed with the idea of dancing the role of the monkey general Hanuman. I quickly realized I needed a better understand the dance. I've been studying through Sekar Jaya with their guest artist Pak Made Cat. And I will get to perform as Hanuman on June 9th 1pm at the Yuerba Buena Gardens Festival in San Francisco.

Darmasiswa is a great opportunity and the boost I need to embrace my alter ego as a dancer. Though I love being be a musician/teacher, when I'm at home 6 bands and 2 jobs distract me from dancing everyday.  I want to focus on being in my body, and develop a better understanding of the relationship between dance and music. With the intent to then share my new knowledge and Hanuman with my community in the Bay Area.

The Darmasiswa scholarship covers- Visa, housing, enrollment.

I'm trying to reduce my state side expenses. Even though I'm not home I still have to pay for:
Oakland storage unit, student loans, credit card, health insurance, car, phone  

Plus expenses when I get there:
Lessons, food, motorbike, phone, insurance, flight, vaccines 

I'm also trying to budget $1000 for a month rent when I get home because the thought of coming back with no job and no home is scary enough. 

The main expenses
Oakland Storage- $3,400
Lessons- $4000

I have been saving for two years for this but I'm quickly realizing that won't be enough. So, while yes I'm totally going to invest all my savings into this transformation, I'm not asking of that of you.  I'm just $4000 short get me through the year. Whatever amount you're willing to donate will be greatly appreciate. 

Thanks
Lydz

(photo credit: Lynda Roti [Hanuman] , Hanna Agar Karlstad [Headshot])