Alvin Ailey Dance Company Wants Tony!
Donation protected
***Be advised! The video is 8 minutes long but I guarantee, it is worth your time***
Antonio (aka Tony) began dancing at the mere age of 8. Since then, he has dedicated all of his time attending dance classes at Dance Atlantic Inc. as well as attending a performing arts high school with a major in Dance; nearly 40+ hours of dance instruction per week. He has studied genres such as, Salsa, Hip Hop, Bollywood, AfroBeats, Ballet, Tap, Acro, Jazz, Contemporary, Improvisation, and strives to learn more. Antonio is now 15 years old and has progressed immensely. In addition to his many accomplishments as an aspiring professional dancer, he maintains a 95 GPA. As his parents, we could not be more proud. I always tell my children, I will be your biggest supporter, your #1 fan, and I will always do my best to give you what you want, but you have to earn it first. Year after year Antonio has proven that he has earned his opportunities.
With that being said, Antonio recently auditioned for a chance to dance at one of the most prestigious dance schools, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. One week later, we received an acceptance notice into their summer program. This program will benefit him as it will provide daily dance technique classes and personal development classes. It will also introduce him to styles and techniques he has yet to learn, such as Horton and Graham.
Antonio hopes this program is just one of many that he can attend, in time, at the Ailey School. Most importantly, it will help Antonio become a stronger dancer. The Ailey School can also be a networking platform for him . He can just simply be seen by the directors. He could even be offered an opportunity to be a part of their professional division. The opportunities here are endless. The reality is, Antonio can make something of this opportunity if he wanted to, AND HE WANTS TO! He lives for DANCE.
As I am writing this, I asked him this question.
Me: Tony why do you dance?
Tony: I dance for many reasons. I purposely want to be different. At 8 years old I realized I really find this art interesting. When you hear the word DANCER, your mind quickly envisions a female. Why? Because most men do not like to dance, let alone try. I want to be a part of breaking that male stigma. And, because I just love walking into Capezio with you, as we ask for assistance in picking out the right shoe and we hear, "Sure just have your daughter come back here and I will help." Mom, your response and facial expressions are funny.
Raising a dancer comes with the understanding that there will be an abundance of expenses. Tuition for many classes, costumes, competition fees, dancers attire and more. We have successfully supported Antonio this far and will continue to do so as the opportunities presents itself. Unfortunately, with this specific opportunity, we are unable to fully fund his tuition, in the short amount of time allowed. This was our first time learning about summer programs and how much they typically cost. To our family and friends, help him follow his dreams. No donation is too small.
We, as well as Antonio thank everyone, whether you're able to donate or not, for taking the time to learn more about him and his passion.
Please enjoy our video we compiled of some of what he and his talented competition team have worked on over the years.
Antonio (aka Tony) began dancing at the mere age of 8. Since then, he has dedicated all of his time attending dance classes at Dance Atlantic Inc. as well as attending a performing arts high school with a major in Dance; nearly 40+ hours of dance instruction per week. He has studied genres such as, Salsa, Hip Hop, Bollywood, AfroBeats, Ballet, Tap, Acro, Jazz, Contemporary, Improvisation, and strives to learn more. Antonio is now 15 years old and has progressed immensely. In addition to his many accomplishments as an aspiring professional dancer, he maintains a 95 GPA. As his parents, we could not be more proud. I always tell my children, I will be your biggest supporter, your #1 fan, and I will always do my best to give you what you want, but you have to earn it first. Year after year Antonio has proven that he has earned his opportunities.
With that being said, Antonio recently auditioned for a chance to dance at one of the most prestigious dance schools, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. One week later, we received an acceptance notice into their summer program. This program will benefit him as it will provide daily dance technique classes and personal development classes. It will also introduce him to styles and techniques he has yet to learn, such as Horton and Graham.
Antonio hopes this program is just one of many that he can attend, in time, at the Ailey School. Most importantly, it will help Antonio become a stronger dancer. The Ailey School can also be a networking platform for him . He can just simply be seen by the directors. He could even be offered an opportunity to be a part of their professional division. The opportunities here are endless. The reality is, Antonio can make something of this opportunity if he wanted to, AND HE WANTS TO! He lives for DANCE.
As I am writing this, I asked him this question.
Me: Tony why do you dance?
Tony: I dance for many reasons. I purposely want to be different. At 8 years old I realized I really find this art interesting. When you hear the word DANCER, your mind quickly envisions a female. Why? Because most men do not like to dance, let alone try. I want to be a part of breaking that male stigma. And, because I just love walking into Capezio with you, as we ask for assistance in picking out the right shoe and we hear, "Sure just have your daughter come back here and I will help." Mom, your response and facial expressions are funny.
Raising a dancer comes with the understanding that there will be an abundance of expenses. Tuition for many classes, costumes, competition fees, dancers attire and more. We have successfully supported Antonio this far and will continue to do so as the opportunities presents itself. Unfortunately, with this specific opportunity, we are unable to fully fund his tuition, in the short amount of time allowed. This was our first time learning about summer programs and how much they typically cost. To our family and friends, help him follow his dreams. No donation is too small.
We, as well as Antonio thank everyone, whether you're able to donate or not, for taking the time to learn more about him and his passion.
Please enjoy our video we compiled of some of what he and his talented competition team have worked on over the years.
Organizer
Jessica Rosario
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY