Local 15-Year-Old Dancer Earns Rare NYC Opportunity

I want to share the story of our daughter, Isabella, a 15-year-old dancer from the Seacoast area.

In the summer of 2025, Isabella auditioned and was accepted into a two-week summer intensive at Steps on Broadway in New York City. What happened during those two weeks changed everything for her.

After her daily intensive classes ended, while most students went home, Isabella chose to stay and step into adult professional company classes. One night after a jazz funk class, the instructor sought her out and told her how impressed he was with her ability to keep up with professional dancers. He asked her age, expecting her to be older. When she told him she had just turned 15, he was genuinely surprised.

What Isabella didn’t know at the time was that the Director had been watching her in that class.

The very next morning, after her ballet class, the instructor—who we later learned was the Director—approached her and told her directly that she had seen her the night before and was very impressed with how well she kept up with the professionals.

At the end of the program, after the final performance, Isabella wanted to thank her for the opportunity. When we spoke, the Director told us it had been an absolute pleasure having Isabella there and that she believed she was a wonderful dancer. She reviewed Isabella’s application and asked why we hadn’t checked the box indicating a willingness to relocate.

We explained that we were new to this and didn’t even realize that it was a possibility.

Her response changed everything:

“You need to check that box. We want her to be part of our company. What can we do to get you here? She needs to be here.”

Since that moment, we have been working closely with her and her team, who have even connected us with real estate brokers to help make relocation possible.

As a family, we are now doing everything we can to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The plan is for my wife, Tammy, to relocate with Isabella to New Jersey, just outside New York City, while I remain in New Hampshire to continue working full-time so we can maintain our home here.

The challenge we are facing is the financial reality of supporting two households while also covering approximately $13,000 in annual tuition.

Her ultimate dream is to one day dance on the stage at Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette.

This is more than just dance. It’s about a young girl who stayed late, worked harder than expected, and was recognized by professionals at the highest level—earning an opportunity that you can’t simply apply for.

If you’re able to support Isabella’s journey in any way—whether by donating, sharing this story, or connecting us with others who can help—we would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read Isabella’s story and for supporting her dream.

— Eric & Tammy Boucher