Hello, my name is Elle Manash. I am 15 years old and I train at Burbank Dance Academy's pre-professional program: Etoile. I have been dancing ever since I could walk, and it has always been a passion of mine. I train about 30 hours each week, and I absolutely love it. Last summer, I attended the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive in Tampa, Florida. It was a wonderful experience, and I learned so much from the faculty. This year, I have been accepted into the John Cranko Ballet and Contemporary Summer Intensive in Manhattan, New York. This has been a big goal of mine because last year, I was not accepted into any New York Summer Intensives. New York has been a place I have wanted to go ever since I was 3 years old. In New York, there are abundant opportunities for ballet. I am so happy that I have been accepted into the John Cranko Summer Intensive this year so I can dance with a top 5 ballet school while also getting to experience the wonders of New York City.

In the long shot, being a professional ballet dancer would be amazing, but keeping realistic expectations, I want to attend college on the East Coast and major in dance while also studying medicine since I am in the medical academy at my high school. My passion for medicine arose from my love of ballet. After seeing how many dancers struggle with injuries, I want to be able to help dancers while also getting to be in the medical field. Being able to go to New York this summer will help me advance my skills in ballet as well as letting me experience the East Coast.

I have decided to fundraise in order to help cover the tuition and housing costs. No amount of money is too small, and any amount will help build towards my goals. Thank you so much.

If you are interested here is a link to the John Cranko website that can tell you more about them and their program.

https://www.johncrankoschoolsi.com/

-Elle Manash