Dancing professionally has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Working in a studio, music swelling, working toward something bigger than myself. Ballet has shaped my discipline, my resilience, my faith, and my identity. And now, one of the companies that has lived in my heart for years, the English National Ballet, has invited me to attend the final round of auditions for their Graduate Program in England.

Being asked to audition in person is not just another opportunity. It is the opportunity.

After submitting preliminary audition videos, I was invited to advance to the final stage: a round that must be attended in person in England. There is no virtual alternative. To stand in that studio, to be seen by the artistic staff, and to train at that level is both an extraordinary honor and the required next step in the process.

This invitation represents years of sacrifice and dedication.

My journey began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I trained with Ballet Tennessee as a Dance Alive scholarship participant under the direction of Anna Baker VanCura. I continued my training with Chattanooga Ballet under Brian McSween, former principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, and had the privilege of performing the role of Clara in The Nutcracker at the Tivoli Theatre. Those early experiences shaped my love for storytelling through movement and laid the foundation for the discipline I carry today. I am one of seven children and pursuing ballet at this level has required not only personal commitment, but the steady support and sacrifice of my entire family. Growing up in a big family has taught me responsibility, humility, and perseverance. It has also shown me the power of encouragement and shared dreams. Every step I take forward represents not just my own effort, but the love and investment of those who have stood beside me. I now train at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Boston Ballet’s Professional Training Division on scholarship support, an opportunity I was invited into after years of dedicated training. The mentorship and training I’ve received and continue to receive in both Chattanooga and Boston has shaped me and deepened my understanding of what it means to pursue excellence with humility and integrity.

And now, this next step: England.

The English National Ballet’s Graduate Program offers elite international training and immersion into a rich artistic culture. The chance to train in that environment would shape me in ways that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Even beyond the outcome of the audition itself, being present in that studio matters. The experience, the exposure, and the opportunity to learn at that level would profoundly influence my growth as an artist.

However, the cost of traveling from Chattanooga to England for this audition is significant. The estimated expenses for round-trip airfare, lodging for four nights, expedited passport processing, ground transportation, and basic travel costs total approximately $6,000. Because this opportunity arose later in the audition season, this additional international expense is beyond what my family can manage on our own. Like many young dancers, I have already invested deeply in my training — pointe shoes, summer intensives, travel, performances, and daily discipline. My family has made countless sacrifices to support this calling. Opportunities like this do not come often, and I don’t want finances to be the reason I miss the chance to pursue something I have worked toward my entire life.

There is no guarantee of acceptance into the program. Ballet is competitive, and outcomes are never promised. However, showing up matters. Standing in that studio matters. Taking bold steps toward dreams matters. I would rather pursue this fully, with courage and faith, than wonder “what if” years from now.

If you feel led to support me — whether financially, through prayer, encouragement, or by sharing this page — it would mean more than I can express. I am deeply grateful for the teachers, mentors, family, and community who have invested in me from the very beginning. Your belief in me has carried me through every audition, early morning class, and moment of doubt. Thank you for helping me take this next leap.

With gratitude,

Kathryn-Grace