Support Tessa's Final Year of Competitive Dance

Hello, my name is Tessa and I am an upcoming Senior in high school at Hope Christian School, but will also be a full time college student studying Dance Performance at Wallace State Community College. I am an "A Honor Roll" student with a 4.25 GPA, and I have a passion as a competitive dancer and cheerleader. I am a part of a well-known dance organization located in Helena, Alabama whose mission is helping girls like me reach their greatest potential—not only as an athlete, but also as an overall individual.

Dance and cheer have been passions of mine since I was a little girl. I began dancing at the age of 10 in Tuscaloosa as a recreational sport, which grew into something greater than I ever imagined! My passion turned into a career path that has grown into more than just a career choice, but into what I feel a calling God is leading me to. I performed a dance at my church, which is one of the largest churches in the United States, that caused me to want to study Dance Performance as my major and to turn a passion into something bigger than just Dance, but into a ministry!

Since only dancing for only 4 1/2 years off and on, and cheering for only 2 years, I have been fortunate to cheer and dance with some of the best organizations in the area! I am now part of an organization that I feel is the best fit for me for my current skillsets and talents, today. This organization has given me a bright outlook on my future, as I am working with some of the best coaches and trainers in the state of Alabama!

I am currently in my last year as a competitive dancer and as a cheerleader, which includes a lot of travel, which I am confident we will make it to Nationals again next year! So on top of all of my dance and cheer fees and classes, there is the expense of gas and hotel stays.

As the daughter of a single mother, and an ill father, our finances are not what they used to be when I first started dance. As a realtor, my mom works on 100% commission, and this has not been a good year for our finances AT ALL! And to make matters more challenging, all 3 of our vehicles are broken down! My mom's car is still getting us where we need to go, but needs to be worked on, and that is going to cost a huge chunk of money, so my dance is once again on hold. Due to my very busy dance, cheer, high school schedule and now full time college schedule, of which all start within just 2 weeks, I do not have the opportunity to work at my studio the way we had planned, so I have felt desperate to the point of starting this GoFundMe page because I really want to dance my last year of high school and as a competitive dancer! I love to make bracelets, and as a thank you gesture for your support, I would love to send you this personal gift from me to you!

I am very excited about the potential that this year holds for not only me, but my fellow dance team!

Recap of Tessa's Competitive Dance and Cheer Life:

I have competed locally and nationally; traveling to many different states and cities including, Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Biloxi, MS, and more. I have won multiple Scholarships, including a full ride at WSCC, of which I will then transfer to Samford University in 2026!

My goal is to continue dancing throughout college with hopes of one day dancing professionally in a Ballet Company, and then opening my own studio where I can continue to express my passions and share my skill sets with others who have similar passions. I am the Elite Dance Team Captain at Helena's VIBE Performing Arts for the 2024/2025 Competitive Team, and a Co-Captain for my Cheer team/dance squad 2024 Football Team at Hope Christian School. I am also currently enrolled for the 2024/2025 Wallace State Allegro Dance Company.

Financial Burden

The cost to train, travel and to compete; as well as the uniforms, costumes, and practice clothes that each cheerleader and dancer uses is satisfied through tuition payments submitted by the parents and collective fundraising opportunities offered by the organization. These fees typically range from $3000 - $7000. My family has committed a significant part of our household budget for this endeavor but we are still in need of assistance to help offset the cost of tuition, travel, and hotel expenses. We still have quite a ways to go, so that’s why I am reaching out to you — my friends, family, and community.

No matter how big or small your donation, every contribution will be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Tessa

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