Myles' Alvin Ailey Scholarship Fund

19 year old Myles Downing from Martinsburg, WV first fell in love with dance at home using internet and You Tube video tutorials.  After trying out and becoming a member of the high school dance team, he first stepped into a studio for formal instruction at the age of 16.   He received instruction at Tari Jo’s Dance Studio  in Inwood WV  for 2 years under a generous scholarship. In the spring of 2018, he performed in the studio’s annual recital. Moved by his performance, a parent recorded it on his phone and shared it with a friend on social media who happens to work as a physical therapist for the prestigious and world renown Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater , based in New York City. Weeks later, upon returning from vacation, while going through messages and emails, the therapist saw the video and in her words “had goosebumps.” On a whim she forwarded it to a friend who happens to be the co-director of the Ailey school, who quickly wrote back, “Do you know this kid?” What followed was a meeting, a review of some more dance clips, and a request for a formal video submission for audition consideration. A week later, a phone call was made sharing the incredible news straight from the director: Myles was awarded acceptance to the school and a scholarship for full tuition.

Many generous friends have encouraged and supported Myles while he chased his dream of ultimately becoming a professional dancer. His talent is apparent and has moved a community of friends to dream alongside him.

While the scholarship is a dream come true for him, there is still a need for housing and living expenses. Friends and family are collectively working together to support Myles to have safe housing within walking or subway distance to the school so that he can focus on his studies and classes and move closer to his ultimate dream. Our goal is to raise a year of housing/living expenses totaling $24,000 as a gift from our extended community.   This figure is based on the cost of modest living.  This will include sharing small apartment or a dorm room should one become available (he is on the wait list), or ideally paying rent to stay with a host family.   We are estimating he will need ~$2,000 a month that he plans to supplement with a part time job (NEW YORK IS EXPENSIVE). There are also some registration and therapy fees he is responsible for. 

We are sharing two options for friends interested in donating.  A Go Fund Me page has been established and a UGift529 program has been established. Gifts through Ugift529 are tax deductible if you are a WV resident and do not require Myles to claim the educational support as taxable income. To give to the Ugift529 plan, simply go to UGift529.com , and use CODE 65Y-522.  Funds from Ugift529 will be appropriately allocated to a housing sponsor through financial mentorship. 

Myles wants to extend his heartfelt thanks to friends, family, and teachers who have encouraged him on this journey.  A special thanks is extended to his teachers Tari Jo Butler, Raegin Domenico, and Christine McNamara for their investment into his future and their friendship and ongoing help. We are grateful to our community for considering support for this phenomenal opportunity.