Marlee has been offered an opportunity to attend 2026 New York All Star Dancers!

Prior to this year’s competition season Marlee was asked by her instructor what song should she choreograph too? Marlee’s answer was anything but simple. What would she dance for? As a 12-year-old girl figuring out the world this question kept Marlee up at night. She wondered if she could show how strong a woman, she is becoming? Maybe she would dance to a song that explained who she was? She would sit and listen to songs making a list to explore later. After much deliberation and dance, Marlee settled on “Soldier”. See, Marlee’s dad is a United States Marine, a combat veteran of 2 wars. Since Marlee started dance 4 years ago, her dad was medically retired for PTSD. For the last 4 years while Marlee has learned to dance her dad has been learning his own lessons. Marlee worked behind the scenes never showing her dad the dance she was going to perform. When it came time to costume Marlee’s idea was simple, take Dad’s uniform and give it a new life.

When competition came Marlee poured her heart and soul into the dance, performing for one but seen by all. Marlee’s dance was a reflection of the life of a Marine, she had mistakes, she almost fell and at times her emotions became too much. In the end she did not win first place or even top 10. What she earned was a trip to New York. The judges award this to dancers who show them more than pointed toes and perfect hair. They award it to dancers who show potential!

Please help Marlee continue this journey. Her goal is to raise 7k for lodging and expenses for a week in New York with her family. Any additional funds will be donated to the studio to help other young dancers follow their dreams.