Hi everyone! My name is Antonio Leone and I am an international dancer pursuing a career with my dream company, the Martha Graham Dance Company. I recently submitted my O-1 Visa application, which will allow me to continue working in the United States. Now, I would like to ask for your help to keep my dream alive, and I am raising funds to help cover the final expenses related to this process. Please read my full story below.

My Story

I began dancing at 10 years old in my hometown, Salerno, Italy. At the age of 16, I moved to Switzerland to begin formal training at the Rudra Béjart School on a full scholarship. Under the mentorship of Tancredo Tavarez, a former member of the Marta Graham Dance Company, I discovered my love for Martha Graham and her technique. Tancredo’s encouragement led me to continue my Graham training at the Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance in 2021. As a member of Graham 2 (Martha Graham Dance’s second company), I performed principal roles from company repertoire including Appalachian Spring, Diversion of Angels, and others. My work with Graham 2 earned me the Pearl Lang Award for Excellence in Performance as well as an apprenticeship with the Martha Graham Dance Company in 2022.

Since joining the main company I’ve had the opportunity to perform featured roles around the world. Some of my favorite performances include the Minotaur in Errand Into the Maze, the Couple in Red from Diversion of Angels, and CAVE by Hofesh Shechter.

Above: CAVE by Hofesh Shechter

In addition to performing with MGDC, I joined CRDance Company as their first male dancer and Assistant Rehearsal Director in 2023. I've also been working towards the release of Dance Spotlight's documentaries of the Martha Graham Dance Technique, and bringing my love for the technique to the classroom at Peridance Center.

Above: ALTA MAREA by Caterina Rago of CRDance Company

Why do I need your help?

As an international dancer, I require a Work Permit Visa to continue working in the States.

I have applied for my O-1b Artistic Visa, which will grant me 3 more years of work in my field. Applying for this Visa has been a great financial commitment.

All costs including Lawyer Fees, Union/Advisory Opinion Approval Letter, and Filing Fee (US Government Fee - USCIS Department), add up to $7,000.

While the application has proven to be a financial commitment, it has also proven to be a time commitment. I started building my portfolio and consulting with my lawyer in March 2024. I submitted my case to the USCIS on July 5th, and it was received on July 9th. My case was immediately sent to California, where the estimated processing time is 6.5 months.

With performances on the horizon, my case must be approved ASAP. Therefore, it is necessary for me to invest in the Premium Processing of my application. Premium Processing will shorten my estimated processing time to about 3 weeks.

The Premium Processing fee is $3,000. I am asking for your help today to raise these final funds.

Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and will help me continue living my dream here in the United States. Your generosity means the world to me, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!