Xander has been dancing since he was young, and his passion for dance shines through in everything he does. As a multi-talented dancer, he takes every dance class available to him, and is always pushing to develop his artistry. He studies outside the studio, has almost perfect attendance for the past three years, and has traveled off island to conventions with the studio—where he even won a best dancer award.

Xander is one of our lead teaching assistants, teaches two of his own ballet classes, mentors younger students, and works extra admin shifts to help pay for his lessons. He is truly one of the nicest, most respectful, and caring students I have ever worked with. Xander is an incredible role model to younger students, showing them that with hard work and passion, off-island dance dreams can come true.

Recently, Xander was accepted to Ballet West's five-week summer intensive in Salt Lake City, one of the premier ballet companies in the U.S. The tuition, room and board, and travel from Alaska are significant, and while our entire studio is rallying to support him, the financial burden is real ($6,000 for tuition, room, and board, plus flights out and back to Alaska in the summer, which we all know are expensive!). Xander is hesitant to ask for help, but he is so deserving of support and encouragement. I know that any funds given to Xander will be put to good use—improving his life, his artistry, and the artistic quality of our community through his teaching at the studio in the future.

Summer intensives yield worthwhile benefits. Long hours and challenging classes build students’ work ethic, endurance, and problem-solving skills. Training in unfamiliar styles promotes adaptability and a willingness to try new things. Working with new instructors and peers teaches students how to conduct themselves professionally in any environment. Dancing with new people fosters teamwork and healthy competition. Attending Ballet West’s summer intensive will allow Xander to experience rapid growth through focused, daily training, learn new styles from different choreographers, and build professional connections. He will gain valuable performance experience and connect with peers who share his passion. Xander will bring this knowledge back to Kodiak, strengthening both his own dancing and his teaching at Next Step Dance Kodiak.

Please consider supporting Xander's dream to attend Ballet West this summer. Your help will not only help Xander, but also inspire and uplift our entire dance community.