Dancing through difficult times

Dance is more than my passion, it is my lifeline.

The end of the world that I thought I was facing 13 months ago with my parent’s separation does not nearly amount to the fear that clutches my heart when I think of the possibility of losing my father, who, whilst I was doing what makes me the happiest, dancing on the marley floor at the Regional High School Dance Festival (RHSDF) back in March of this year, was diagnosed with Stage IV Throat Cancer. 

I try my best, to ensure that the setbacks I have faced during the past year do not hinder my goals and ambitions.  My body is an instrument that must continue to be tuned. 

I am both humbled and thrilled to announce that I have received an acceptance offer for the Young Dancers Workshop (YDW), a three-week summer dance intensive at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, one of the auditions I attended at the dance festival.  YDW is perfect for young teenage dancers, and offers something truly unique: a balance between rigorous technical training and supportive community.  I truly believe that I will find peace within my mental and physical form at YDW.

As a result of the unlucky roll of the dice, my father is unable to work, leaving him quite unstable monetarily as he undergoes seven treacherous weeks of chemotherapy and radiation; and even though my mother continues to work two jobs and I work numerous part-time jobs to support my dance education; the Merit Scholarship I have gratefully received from Bates, based on my audition, application and request for financial aid, unfortunately does not cover all the of the costs.

This is an amazing opportunity and that is why I am reaching out to friends and family during this difficult time to ask for your help and support.  Funds raised will go towards covering the cost of my tuition, room&board, and traveling expenses to Maine.  I hope you will consider making a donation, my first payment is due June 1st.  Please feel free to share this campaign. 

 Any gift, however small, would be greatly appreciated.

For more information on the Young Dancers Workshop at Bates College, please click the link below:
http://www.batesdancefestival.org/education/young-dancers-workshop-2/