Hello everyone,

My name is Malina Davis. I am a junior at Western Washington University. I am getting my BFA in dance and a minor in psychology.

A little more about my dancing background: I began dancing at the age of three, and I like to think I never stopped (except for the one year I did basketball), but we all make mistakes. I have been trained in the styles of ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and lyrical, and musical theater. I started competitively dancing in my 7th-grade year. This was truly a blessing because I got to perform even more at multiple competitions in group, solo, duo, and trio dances. Also, I was a volunteer teacher's assistant for many years and currently teach dance in Bellingham, WA.

After graduating high school I chose to attend Western Washington University. I knew right away I wanted to pursue the dance program to further my education. In this dance program, I have had multiple performance opportunities as well as a choreographic opportunity this winter of 2023. I choreographed a piece entitled "If..." for WWU's winter dances show. It was a challenging but rewarding experience for me.

This year I was given the opportunity to apply for a faculty-led study-abroad dance program in Italy during the summer of 2023! I applied the second I could and was beyond ecstatic when I received notification I was accepted.

It would be no less than a dream to be able to travel to Italy and participate in the summer dance immersion in Arezzo. I will also be visiting Rome, Florence, Napoli, and the Tuscany regions around Arezzo. Doing this program would not only allow me to travel outside the U.S. and experience dance in other cultures, but it would shape me and enhance my education for what I want to do after college.

After graduating, I am going to participate in the Disney College Program (DCP). I believe the study abroad program will be beneficial because it will allow me to experience dance in another institution in another part of the world. My hope is this the DCP will allow me to get a foot in the door with Disney and to one day be able to dance and perform for them.

This study abroad program will also be a stepping stone for me in starting my own business in the future. I think it is crucial to have a variety of experiences (domestic and international) when you want to create a business so you can see it from all angles. My mom and I want to start a performing arts school in Spokane, WA. We specifically want to provide services for those of underserved populations as they do not get as many opportunities or access to these resources. I want to create a safe, nurturing, and community-based school that focuses on each unique individual's dance experience.

The funds I would receive from this would go towards all travel and educational expenses for my study abroad (airfare, food, tuition, etc.). I am working multiple jobs to contribute to this experience as well as my academic journey.

Cost Breakdown:

*Not included in the program

Tuition/Program Fees/Down Payment- $5,092.53

*Personal Expenses- $500.00

*Meals- $500.00

*Airfare- $1,300.00