Support Our ACE Awards Journey to NYC!

Hi family, friends and dance community!

My name is Courtney Barclay and, as most of you know, I’ve been lucky enough to build a career around my passion for dance. I get to teach, choreograph, and connect with some truly amazing studios across the country, whilst having the immense privilege of mentoring students at my home base studio, Evoke Dance Movement.

After fifteen years of teaching, hundreds of choreographed pieces, two babies, and infinite hours soul-searching about “what’s next,” I decided to take a leap and submit my work to a prestigious choreography competition. I’m beyond grateful, humbled (and still a little shocked!) to share that I’ve been selected as a finalist for the ACE Awards in New York City!

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I’m particularly proud to share this moment with a group of seven dedicated, thoughtful, and wildly talented young dancers. Being selected for the ACE Awards isn’t just a milestone in my own choreographic journey - it’s a platform for these dancers to be seen on a national stage, to be inspired by the best new voices in the industry, and to feel the power of their artistry in a new light. This opportunity has the potential to open doors not only for me as a creator, but for them as emerging professionals stepping into the wider world of dance.

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As you can tell, taking our piece to the ACE Awards in New York City is, without a doub, an incredible opportunity - but it also comes with significant expenses.

With your help, we’re hoping to raise money to help cover:

(Estimated costs ~$1600 per dancer)

These dancers and their families are showing up in a big way to help make this possible. I want to be able to support them back - financially and otherwise - as much as I possibly can. They absolutely deserve it.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to read all of this. I’m still pinching myself that this is really happening. To see my choreography come to life, through these dancers AND in New York City, is a dream I can’t wait to step into.

Your support, whether through a donation, a share, or simply your belief in us, means more than I can express - not just to me, but to the dancers who make this work possible (and beautiful, and honest, and full of heart)!

With love and so much gratitude,

Courtney

The beautiful cast:

Angelika Edeger

Lexi Godwin

Emmerson Gestring

Coltrane Vodicka

Annabelle Mang

Maddie De Dios

Lily Godwin

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***ALSO, if you’re looking for other ways to support, we’ll be hosting an "Evoke Takes NYC" fundraising night on Thursday, July 24th, as well as potential master class opportunities - so keep an eye out for those announcements!