Many of you know that I am passionate about teaching dance. I was not always passionate about it. As a dancer, I felt my most significant contribution to dance was my performance, but I realized later that was not the case. As a performer, I could reach the audience, those in attendance, and yes, I left them feeling something, but did they learn anything? Did I give them something that would transform their lives and those with whom they have contact? I soon realized that it was teaching that had the most significant impact. I have taught ballet and modern dance for the past 8years, and now the time has come for me to expand my reach and influence. My husband, who passed away this January, was always my biggest fan and supporter. He always told me my talents would be better used in my academy than in the University, where I was bogged down with administrative tasks and a system that was more concerned with numbers and not the teaching experience. Since his passing, I have tried to think of ways to honor him in my work since he sacrificed so much for me to be who I am today, and now the time has come. I now know that the tremendous honor to his memory will be to open my own space. I am now coming to my community, asking for your help to help me start. I am asking for $5000, which will be used to pay for mirrors, a dance floor, ballet barres, a sound system, and essential maintenance. I would greatly appreciate your help as you fund me and help to honor the sacrifice of my now departed husband, Yesdrikk.