My name is Marielys, I am an AfroIndigenous-Caribbean artist and dance researcher from Boriqué (Puerto Rico) currently based in Lenapehoking (NYC). In 2022, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of getting a Ph.D. and applied to the doctoral program in Critical Dance Studies at the University of California- Riverside. My application was UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED!!

The cost of moving to California and the living expenses during my first academic year is estimated to reach $38,440. As a Ph.D. candidate I am offered a 5-year Teaching Assistantship (I start teaching during my third quarter in Spring 2024!!), but moving costs and arrival living expenses in Riverside are on me. As a working artist living paycheck-to-paycheck and gig-to-gig, this is a challenging transition. I do not have significant savings and my family does not have generational wealth to financially support me in achieving this massive goal.

HELP ME SUCCEED!!

Your financial contribution -whether as a gift or a social justice reparation- will help me cover my moving and relocation expenses, books, school supplies, transportation, and housing costs during my first quarter (September-December).

I am asking for support from my FRIEND #DANCECOMMUNITY, friends of friends, dance colleagues, dance lovers, patrons, and philanthropists to achieve the goal of $14,000!! This amount will guarantee a smooth arrival in Riverside, California without financial stress and the need to hustle right away.

Any donation will go a long way!!

To reach my goal, I need approximately 1,400 friends that gift $5 each and share this with one other friend that can also donate $5 each!!

PLEASE SHARE with your FRIENDS!!

This life-changing opportunity will boost my professional career and prepare me to continue contributing to the dance field from a Social Justice and Equity framework.

¡¡GRACIAS!! ¡¡GRACIAS!! ¡¡GRACIAS!!

If you want to know more about my work, please visit: https://www.marielysbm.com/

((Please note: Go Fund Me takes a percentage of the donation. Donations given through Go Fund Me are NOT tax-exempt because I am not registered as a 501c entity.))

Photo: Rachel Keane

[Image Description: Marielys, an Afro-indigenous brown skin woman dancing in the woods wearing a lace sleeveless crop, loose pants, and sneakers. She balances one leg while the other is suspended in the air in front of her bent at the knee. The torso is slightly bent to the side, long hair cascading sideways, one hand reaching the Earth palm facing up, the other hand above her head palm down. Marielys looks at the open sky, dreaming of the impossible.]