Sophie's Joffrey Ballet Dream

Hi. My name is Sophie and I am 16 years old. I have been dancing since I was three. I love to dance and have dreamed about dancing in New York since I was very little. Last January I auditioned for a summer dance program at Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, and got selected to dance year round- to be trained with some of the best ballet teachers in the world. My friends and parents have paid for my first semester, but without some help, I will not be able to continue past December. I am hoping to raise enough money to finish the end of the school year with my new friends and dancers that I have already fallen in love with. I love New York and want to continue my college education here too.  The money I raise will pay for my tuition and room and board. I am living my dream of dancing in New York, and pray that I don't have to go home in December. If I do, I will always be grateful for the time that I had here in New York, and the wonderful experiences with Joffrey Ballet company that I will never forget. I am very proud that I have made it this far. I have worked very hard, both in school and in dance. I have a 4.0 which I have maintained while I have trained in dance for many hours each day. I have also had a very personal hurdle that I got over while I kept working towards my dream. My oldest brother was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012.  He was only 18 years old, and I was more afraid than I could have imagined ever being. We all made it through his medical problems, and he is now very healthy. I realized that life can throw me hurdles and I want to do everything I can to achieve my dreams. If I can raise this money to stay at Joffrey Ballet School, I will work hard, stay committed to my dream, and forever appreciate each and every dollar, and person who donated. I appreciate you even consider helping me. I need the funds by December 1, 2015 as I need to let Joffrey know that I can afford to stay until May. Thank you so very much. I hope your dreams have come true, too.