American-Swiss Ballet Company Performance Travel

Dear Friends of Dance,

My name is Sônia Melo. I am the Founder and Director of the American-Swiss Ballet Dance Company in NYC.

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support in helping us recently purchase a new Marley floor for our dance studio. Your donation has made a significant impact on the quality of our training and has created a much-needed improvement to our studio environment. It is truly appreciated.

As you may know, we have a dedicated group of wonderful dancers who work hard every day to improve their technique and rehearse for upcoming performances. Your contribution has enabled them to have a better training experience and thus continue their pursuit of excellence.

Over the past few years, we have faced several challenges, including the impact of the pandemic on our ability to perform and train. Despite this, we have managed to keep going, with the help of generous donations such as yours and the support of our loyal students.

We were all set to perform at International dance festivals in Switzerland and France last year, but unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted those plans. However, we are now working hard and preparing for our upcoming performances of "Sleeping Beauty" at St. Jean's Theater in NYC on June 24th, and in Switzerland on July 1st. We will also be performing at the White Wave Dance Festival at the Duffy in Brooklyn, NY.

The funds raised will go to purchasing flights, housing, pointe shoes, and a stipend for our dancers. Your support would help make this opportunity possible and it would be greatly appreciated.

We remain committed to providing our dancers with the best possible training and performance opportunities. Your generosity is a key factor in our ability to continue pursuing this goal. I sincerely hope that you can help us again and support the ASB Dancers to continue pursuing their dreams.

Thank you for your kind consideration and your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

Sônia Melo

ASBCompany Founder/Director

Hear from our Dancers!

Ellen Mihalick:

Hi Everyone,

My name is Ellen Mihalick and I am a proud member of ASB's dance company since 2018. Being with ASB has been truly special for me. Our director, Sônia Melo, provides us with the best quality of training and opportunities.

Although I also dance as a Radio City Rockette and on a Broadway national tour, coming back to ASB is always like coming back home. I am very grateful to Sônia for allowing me to keep working on my technique because it's the foundation of everything we do.

ASB is not just a dance company, it's a community. Being a part of this company makes you feel valued and artistically challenged and inspired. I also had the amazing opportunity to travel with ASB abroad on three occasions. The experience of getting to know other countries, meeting artists and performing in different theaters in Europe is something I will always cherish.

I look forward to every day with ASB, seeing the company grow and evolve. American Swiss Ballet gives you such a great base in classical ballet, but also in contemporary and modern works. I am truly grateful to be a company member at ASB. ASB is like a home for us.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and experiences with you all.

Giuseppe Bausilio:

Hi Friends and Family!

My name is Giuseppe Bausilio and I have been in the ASBCompany since it's conception. I am an Actor, Singer, and Dancer who's a Broadway veteran and have played in numerous movies and TV shows. When I am not performing on Broadway I am lucky enough to always have a place to call home, and keep up my continued dance training. It brings me so much joy to share a room with these incredibly hard-working, talented, and kind dancers and in turn, they make me want to be a better dancer myself. Thank you for your donation and I look forward to seeing your shining smiles in the audience!

All the best!

Kara Cooper:

Hi, my name is Kara Cooper and I’ve been a dancer with ASB since 2014. This company has become an amazing institution for dancers like myself to grow not only in their artistic abilities but also in life. Dedicated to instilling classical and correct ballet technique, ASB also integrates outside choreographers to broaden our range and try new styles. Part of the company’s goal is to provide a cultural exchange as well. We have had the beautiful opportunity to dance in several countries in Europe, performing and being immersed in the culture.

Personally, as a dancer I appreciate being seen. With company class under a watchful eye of our directors I have witnessed vast improvements not only within my own dancing but from everyone who has danced here. ASB is a place to work hard and be a part of a family. Sônia Melo cares about all her dancers onstage and off, which is a breath of fresh air amidst the smoggy city of New York!