Hi everyone!

My name is Sydney Burtis, and I am a professional dancer and choreographer living in NYC. I am very excited to share that my choreography has been chosen to perform at the A.C.E Awards in NYC on August 10th, and Dance Educator's Collective (DEC) Choreographers Cup in Nashville, TN on August 30th! I have been inspired by the A.C.E Awards since its inception, and I am very honored to experience the first-ever Choreographers Cup. Traveling to and preparing for these events is an incredible undertaking, which is why I am reaching out to my community for help in funding these projects.

Both the A.C.E Awards and DEC Choreographers Cup select aspiring and established artists to share their creativity on a substantial platform, where people from all over the world can witness their work. At the end, there are monetary prizes awarded to three choreographers to further their creative endeavors. These experiences are instrumental to a dancer's journey, as the connections made could lead to incredible opportunities.

The pieces I will be presenting for these events are very different from one another in structure but have similar intentions overall. In a world that can feel so isolating and lonely, it is imperative to remember the importance of community and connection. I am very passionate about creating works that tell a story, and feel grateful to be sharing the stage with artists who share this vision.

With your donations, the funds will be allocated to flights, lodging, and ubers/rental cars for 11 dancers total in Nashville, as well as for studio space in NYC and costuming for both pieces, which includes 17 total dancers! All of these expenses add up quickly, with the estimated costs coming out to around $6000. Anything you can donate will help tremendously in making everything possible!

This project is completely self-funded, which is why I am reaching out to you all for help! No matter the size of the donation, every dollar makes a difference! I am very thankful for the opportunity to present work this summer and cannot thank you all enough for supporting my dancers and I!