Payton has been dancing since she was 2 years old, and at 16, she has been accepted to the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Dance Intensive. Payton has trained for 14 years in a variety of styles, including ballet, tap, contemporary, hula, African, hip-hop, aerial, and jazz. Her acceptance to the Joffrey school is an amazing opportunity for her to continue to perfect her craft and prepare her for her education and training once she graduates high school next year.

More specifically, Payton is dreaming of attending Joffrey's NYC Jazz & Contemporary intensive. As a dancer, singer, and actor, Payton has big dreams to one day perform on Broadway. She's already earned leading roles like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Nala in The Lion King. This intensive can not only take her to the next level but unlock many more opportunities to invest in her future.

The tuition for the program is $799/week, housing and food are $649/week and $299/week respectively, and the program in NYC is 4 weeks long. There is also a registration fee and performance fee of $125 each. Excluding the cost of flights, we need to raise about $7,750 to cover everything. As a single mother and Payton's sole provider, I would greatly appreciate the village stepping up to help.

Thank you so much for your support. Please donate and share.

You can also donate directly: $SharkyMarie or @Sharde_Marie