Donate To Further Garreth's Dance Career

Hello,

My name is Garreth Chapple, I am 20 years old and currently in the Professional Training Division at Ballet West Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dance has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I began my training with The National Ballet of Canada, where I performed as a mouse in their production of The Nutcracker. From the moment I stepped onto that stage, something inside me came alive, igniting my love for performing and setting me on the path to becoming a professional dancer.

When I was 12 years old, my life changed forever. My father passed away after a long battle with cancer, leaving my mother to raise four boys on her own. Before his passing, my mother had been out of the workforce to care for our family, and re-entering the job market proved incredibly challenging. My twin and I contribute financially however we can. I have assisted with dance classes, done landscaping work, and stayed late to clean, anything to keep training costs low. However, as an international student with my specific visa, I am unable to work while training, which adds significantly to our family’s financial strain.

Despite these challenges, dance has remained my constant support and motivation. Although most of my training has been in contemporary dance, I shifted my focus back to classical ballet in the summer of 2020. I realized that I needed specialized training in men’s technique to excel in classical ballet. Ballet West Academy, under Jeff Rogers, offers some of the best male training in the United States. The instruction and support here surpass anything available to me closer to home, making it crucial for my development.

With Ballet West Academy I train for over 22 hours a week, including men’s classes, Pas de Deux, Variations, Contemporary, and other specialized genres. Financial difficulties delayed my start at Ballet West Academy until February, which is quite late in their season. Even in this short time, I have grown significantly and am determined to return next year to continue my development.

Throughout my dance journey, I have earned a reputation for my relentless work ethic. I am fully committed to the hard work needed to succeed, but I need the right environment to solidify my training and bring all my efforts together. Ballet West Academy provides exactly that. The level of instruction and support here is precisely what I need to refine my technique and elevate my abilities.

The costs of pursuing a professional dance career parallel those of attending university. Unlike university students, I cannot access OSAP or other loans and grants. Additionally, being in the United States as an international student significantly increases these costs, with tuition starting around $8,000 USD, plus housing and living expenses in a major city.

The funds I am raising will cover tuition, housing, insurance, and other essential expenses. I am dedicated to making my dreams a reality, and Ballet West Academy is a crucial part of that journey. Your support would be immensely appreciated. Even if you can’t help financially, sharing this post with others who might be interested in supporting a young dancer would mean the world to me.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and support.

Warm regards,

Garreth Chapple