Support a Young Black Ballerina’s Dream to attend DTH

Hi, my name is Malaika and I’m 12 years old. I’ve been dancing since I was 5, and ballet has always been my favorite way to speak, even when I didn’t have the words.

This summer, I’ve been accepted to attend the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Summer Intensive, a dream I’ve worked toward for years. I’m reaching out to ask for your support to help make it possible. I have attended before, thanks to the support of my family and community and I can't tell you how much it impacted me for the better!

They remind me where I started: in a small studio with big mirrors and even bigger dreams.

When the pandemic hit, my ballet school closed, and for a while, I thought I wouldn’t dance again. But Dance Theatre of Harlem opened its (virtual) doors to students like me. They helped me keep growing when everything else felt like it was falling apart.

When I finally made it to DTH in person, I found more than technique. I found a community. I found culture. I danced with girls who looked like me. I learned from legendary teachers whose stories and artistry showed me what’s possible.

Now, I’ve been given the chance to train there in person, and I need your help to get there.

The cost of tuition, travel from Hawaii to NYC, and lodging adds up. Every little bit brings me one leap closer to my dream.

Here is the breakdown:

Tuition after scholarship: $1225,

$1200 airfare from Honolulu-NYC

Total: $2425

Every amount gets us closer to this goal.

I know there are so many worthy causes out there, and so many people who need support. But I hope you’ll consider investing in the light I try to bring into the world through my body. Maybe I can inspire someone else to dream, to create, and to hope.

Thank you for reading, for believing, and for helping me dance forward.

With love and gratitude, Malaika