Have you had those days where it just feels too hard to even get out of bed? I don't like admitting it, but I know that feeling all too well. I've struggled with bouts of depression since I was very young, and was diagnosed with anxiety by the time I was 10 years old. Sometimes it feels unfair that just being myself can be so hard.

A year ago, I moved back to Los Angeles after living in Idaho over the past three years during the pandemic. I became serious about dance while living in Idaho, and fell in love with all aspects of it: learning, performing, and especially attending conventions and competing.

I dreamt about making a company team after our move. I knew how challenging it would be to walk into auditions with such experienced dancers, so I began stretching, practicing, and learning the choreography for hours every day, by myself. I loved the motivation I felt, and was so excited when I found out I made the team at an acclaimed studio! This last year was the happiest I've felt for as long as I can remember. Dance has been the best way for me to deal with anxiety and depression. Through therapy, I have learned that dancing is one of my biggest coping skills because it keeps me in the present moment, so my mind can't wander into fear, pressure, and self esteem issues. I feel, for the first time, that I'm part of a group with similar goals and through these friendships, I feel happiness, belonging, and less alone.

Now as I commit to my dance team again this September, unforeseen financial circumstances have arisen that will force me to give up dance for this coming season. It is out of my family's control, but nonetheless, I am heartbroken. It cost well over 20k this last year, for tuition, costumes, convention and competition fees. And that doesn't even include most of the travel expenses. I told my parents that I am willing to do anything, including raising the funds on my own.

It is with this in mind that I'm humbly asking for sponsors who would help my dream of dancing come true for this season. I would be so appreciative and grateful for any help offered, and I promise to give it my all!

But even more, I promise to bring you along with me…sharing videos, updates, and opportunities to cheer me on in person or online.

Will you join me on my journey, and become members of MY dance team? Your support, at any level—from sponsoring a month of my tuition to sharing this invitation with your own friends and family—will mean the world to me! My goal is to raise half the fees by the new year so I can dive deep into my dance education and choreography, and then to raise the other half shortly after to compete what I've learned!

Let's do this team! 5-6-7-8!

Naomi, 14

$1,500 - Sponsor a Month of Dance Team Tuition

Receive exclusive monthly updates and a personal thank you video from me!

$750 - Co-Sponsor a Month of Dance Team Tuition

Receive periodic updates and very good karma!

$500 - Sponsor my registration fees, travel, and costumes for a dance competition. Receive a personal thank you from me with pictures and stories from the competition!

$250 - Co-Sponsor my registration fees, travel, and costumes for a dance competition. Receive a personal thank you from me with pictures from the competition!

$100 - Fund a pair of dance shoes or practice uniform. Receive updates and the joy of spreading the love of dance!

A donation of any amount…Receive updates, good karma, and excellent dance moves!