Hello!

My name is Tehya Semens, I am a current student at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in New York. Through my current training I have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend a semester studying at Beijing Dance Academy in Beijing, China.

I am thrilled to be granted this opportunity, but due to my financial situation, I am unable to do it alone. I have supported myself through college with student loans and my busy schedule makes it hard to work full time during the school year. I have been graced with parents that support every artistic endeavor that furthers my career, but unfortunately 10 years ago my mother was diagnosed with late stage neurological Lyme disease.

I have watched my mother fight strokes, seizures, and terrifying infections while being in and out of the hospital for most of my life. This has caused an extreme financial burden on my parents due to the cost of life saving medications that my mother takes daily. Their unwavering support is palpable and they have done everything they can to support 3 kids in their dreams of success, but realistically $55,000 dollar hospital stays weighs on a family.

I have worked extremely hard to get myself where I am now through scholarships and dedication to my craft. Not only am I a dance major, but also have a minor in arts management and I am hopeful to be moving forward with a choreographic concentration my junior year. This opportunity to study in Beijing will allow me to grow in my artistry, but also create important connections that will help me within my professional field. This training gives myself and my resume an artistic edge which is important in a competitive field. In an art that is seemingly undervalued in today's society I am fighting for the love of the craft and the next generation of artists. This is my livelihood and an opportunity like this is unable to pass up.

Anything helps and I carry so much gratitude to those around me who continue to love and support me. I create my works with that love and it pushes me to keep going. Please help me achieve these large goals that I have set for myself and I know I can accomplish.