Jayden Dance Education Dream to inspire others (Phase 1)

Greetings, my name is Jayden De la Cruz from Staten Island, NY. I am a female honors minority student with a passion for dance and the instruction of the art. I am hoping to pursue Dance Education at Wagner College to acquire a bachelor’s degree. My parents minister full time at a small urban church here in Staten Island whom I have seen pour into the lives of others unconditionally for nearly 20 years. Even though financial stability has been shaky growing up, they always have had a willingness to share, help and selflessly serve others at church and the community. They have been an amazing example to me and support my career choice.

Wagner College has both regular Ed and Special needs learning education which would help me teach all ages and not only dance but also movement therapy. Just as other athletics, dance is very rigorous on the body and requires mental, physical training, and detailed attention. Like other student athletes, I have practices/rehearsals, regular colleges classes, and performances. This makes it nearly impossible to work full time as my school life would consume most of it. Schools typically don’t offer athletic scholarships to dance programs because they do not see it as “challenging”, “athletic” or “worth it.” In fact, many colleges are closing their dance programs, which is eliminating students’ options. I have applied for financial aid, scholarships and any grants applicable to me as an honor minority student, unfortunately, it is not enough to cover tuition even after making the decision to commute instead of living on campus. My goal by the end of this year 2024 is to pay $25,000 and by each semester is $15,000 of that total.

My future career goal is to teach the art and craft of dance to children of all ages and including those with special needs, while also showing a new path of opportunities to minority children. Growing up where nobody looked like you or understood your struggles whether it be big or small can be very isolating. That can be disheartening for many kids who just want to have fun, make friends, explore something new that could potentially lead them to bigger things in the future. I have had experiences of discrimination in the dance world, and in return I am hoping my story and success will encourage the future generation to push through any challenges they may face in life and toward the future goals.