<div>Hello Family, Friends and BigKids Community! Mark here, founder and director of BigKid Dance. I know I speak for BigKids as a whole when I say we want to thank you the community of people who continue to support us. Your donations and constant belief in us help make our efforts and work feel seen!
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<div>As we embark on our third season as BigKid Dance, we reflect on the things that got us started together, and the reasons we continue to move forward. We have always been about making real connections with people through the art form and all it provides, and we feel we have succeeded with that in so many ways.
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<div>In just two seasons, BigKid Dance has come together to...
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<div>-produce 2 full evening-length works (to sold-out performances and rave reviews by the way!) in Philadelphia
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<div>-create 3 successful Movement Workshop Platforms in collaboration with the University of the Arts, bringing in world-renowned choreographers and teaching artists
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<div>-provide a unique platform for art making, practice and expression
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<div>-build relationships and collaborations with multidisciplinary artists and art supporters alike
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<div>-cultivate a niche queer dance community in Philly (and slowly but surely beyond) that celebrates our relatability, our queerness and our artistic prowess equally.
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<div>We have grown a lot in a short period and we aren't stopping anytime soon!! Now we are ready to shift things to the next level!
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<div><strong>Here are the things we are hoping for some support with:</strong>
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<div><em>Artist/Dancer Support</em>
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<div>-BigKid Dance is an ever-evolving group, usually consisting of 2-8 dancers at a time depending on the project and overall scheduling. For our 23/24 Season, we plan to build 5 new works in total (1 full length + 1 film work by Mark, then 3 shorter works by guest choreographers). Dance Artists will be compensated for the performances of these works and our hopes are to provide compensation for the creative process/rehearsals of these works as well.
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<div>TBD / 16-20 Creative Rehearsals
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<div>TBD / Number and Scheduling of performances unavailable at this time
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<div><em>Guest Choreographer Support</em>
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<div>-For us to grow, we feel bringing in new voices is vital! This will be the first time we will invite guest artists to come and create new works for BigKids that will be performed and potentially toured. This means, we must pay the choreographers! Your donation will go towards our efforts in making sure these influential, important artists get substantial payment for their time and work. This includes travel costs as well as daily per-diem and other expenses.
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<div><em>Set/Music/Lighting Design + Equipment/Costuming/Extra</em>
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<div>We would also utilize funds for all of the above in our efforts to make the most substantial work we can. Our ideas and creativity are boundless and unique, though the more funding, the better the execution for your viewing + receiving pleasures! Potential "leftover" funding (after artist fees) will be allocated to the above depending on project details.
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<div>By donating, you will be supporting art and the creation of art. We will be able to spend valuable, creative time together in the studio, building new artistic worlds to imagine ourselves in, that will be shared and experienced by someone else who may need it, who may need hope, who may need to be related to, who may need to face a fear, who may need to see themselves, who may need to be loved. This is the hope and goal of our work. Not only are these processes and performances therapeutic to experience, but it also provides a positive and creative outlet for us dance artists. It brings us closer to ourselves, and closer to each other. Support THAT! &lt;3
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<div><strong><em>*Please keep in mind that BigKid artists and guest choreographers will be compensated regardless of the outcome of this fundraiser. Your donations only support and amplify our efforts. </em></strong>
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<div>Personal Message from Mark-
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<div>During these past two seasons, we have gained momentum but we still have a long way to go. Aside from crowdfunding/your generous and thoughtful support, BigKids is personally funded and fully supported in-house by myself. (<em>As it should be since this is my project, my baby, my love.</em>) Therefore, if you feel compelled by our art, by what we are trying to do for ourselves and our community (and wildly enough, the world), consider making a small, medium or large donation to BigKid Dance. Any type of support goes a long way, even a "like" or "share" on social media. Our growth as a smaller dance collective is vital to our growth as a greater queer art community.
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<div>Now more than ever, it feels like the world is slipping through our fingers. Our planet is deteriorating as it seems most times humanity is as well. Though our efforts and desires in art-making seem insignificant to the greater picture and progression of our world, we believe that the persistence and love surrounding and holding our work and unity is strong enough to add to that progression, even in a small way.
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<div>with love, Mark
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<div>Follow us on instagram at @_bigkids or check out our website <a href="https://www.bigkiddance.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BigKid Dance</a>
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<div>DONORS:
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<div>Class Clown $50
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<div>Get a producer credit in the program of our next show
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<div>Most Likely to Succeed $100
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<div>Get a producer credit in the program for our next show and a super cute BigKid Sticker 
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<div>Prom King/Queen/Royalty $200
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<div>All of the above and a shoutout on social media
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<div>Top of the Class $250
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<div>All of the above and a cool BigKid T-Shirt
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<div>BigKid $500
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<div>All of the above and 2 tickets to any BigKid Shows in 2023/2024
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<div>BigKid Forever $1000
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<div>All of the above and lifetime tickets to all BigKid Shows and events
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Support the Evolution of BigKid Dance

Support the Evolution of BigKid Dance

Still $5,745 to go. Help us build momentum.