ATTENTION ART LOVERS AND SUPPORTERS

ATTENTION ART LOVERS AND SUPPORTERS  • Who: My name is Ashley Casstevens-Gonzalez, a professional ballet dancer with Savannah Ballet Theatre, 40 years old, a mother of 3, and I am asking for support funding a SAFE housing option for portions of the month of July, 2023.  • What: THE FIRST summer intensive of its kind with BALLET UNITED THEATRE, directed by Joseph Gatti, is taking place this July, 2023 in Orlando, Florida with some of the most incredible dance masters and innovative training practices in the industry. Concluding with an intensive performance with dancers from all over the world. United Ballet Theatre (athletesofart.org)  • Where:  My loving family and I are based: BLUFFTON, SC. The intensive where I’ve been invited: United Ballet Theatre in ORLANDO, FL. • How: I am honored to have received a 50% scholarship for the month, which helps with my tuition. I will stay and train in Orlando Monday – Friday, and return to my family on weekends to save on costs. AND SEE MY BABIES AND HUBBY! Why: Teaching and Technical Advancement: Summer intensives are a way for dancers to cultivate new techniques, clean lines, and push past one’s personal limits. I am still dancing strong, and I want to show that age is a number for how many years I have been passionate about my art. Social Outreach: All children deserve artistic opportunities. Experiencing and practicing artistic fields change lives in so many ways. Everyone deserves the chance to have this opportunity, especially children. I have wonderful plans to bring dance opportunities to rural children in the Lowcountry. This will help me grow immensely and enable me to bring all of this knowledge and experience back to my community. The arts are often seen as a luxury, expensive and unattainable. I want to be a force of change in these communities and YOU CAN HELP ME DO THIS. I am so grateful for any amount you’d be willing to contribute. Amounts need not be disclosed. Completely anonymous is fine, but if you are comfortable, please do tell me if you donate so I can thank you.  -ACG