The Friends of Farm to Ballet support host farms

The Friends of Farm to Ballet need a little help to raise funds to support some of the host farms and to help keep our beloved studio open!

We consist of dancers, current and former, who are part of a growing ballet community. One that is beloved by its members who are grateful for the leadership, staff, and partners who have brought them this far. We feel the best is yet to come!

I came alive again…

“A long time ago, I had to give up my dream of being a ballet dancer and a light went out of my life. I continued on, doing all the grown-up things: getting a job, getting married, seeing a therapist, and always trying to fit in. But something was missing. Then, when I was sure it was way too late (I was getting old, after all) I found Ballet Vermont and magic happened. I came alive again, found my community, my safe place, and best of all I found joy. That’s what Ballet Vermont means to me.”

- Cindy

…found a strength and drive comparable to nothing else…

“I discovered Ballet Vermont almost by accident, a few months after the death of my father, and responded to an email looking for beginner dancers to take part in a performance. My dad was always up for a new challenge, and partly to honor his memory, I took the plunge and signed up for Farm to Ballet. I gave the teachers fair warning that I found learning choreography incredibly challenging, and they assured me that they could work with me.

I discovered a passion in me that I had no idea could have existed, and found a strength and drive comparable to nothing else, as I began this journey of growth and discovery. The beauty and grace of ballet brings me to tears, and over the past year or so I have worked on moving through my fears, and have found so much acceptance, support, and encouragement in this amazing community of dancers who have witnessed and celebrated my progress.

I am so grateful for this and heartbroken at the possibility of losing this community and the opportunity to continue to grow. Ballet Vermont has enriched my life beyond measure.”

- Laura

At 62, this was… an unforgettable artistic experience.

“My love affair with ballet began in high school and ended after college when there was no such thing as adult ballet classes for those not going the professional route. So, for 40 years, I worked as an educator and found fitness classes to go to. When I discovered Ballet Vermont in October 2022, I couldn’t believe my luck! I finally had the time to dance seriously and there was an adult studio nearby!

Chatch and all the teachers are experts in working with adults and I am amazed at how much I have learned in this short time. I danced in the corps with Ballet Vermont this past summer. At 62, this was my very first performance and an unforgettable artistic achievement for me. It’s hard to think that opportunity will not exist for me or others.

Losing Ballet Vermont means no more ballet for me. A short 10 months of living my dream. I am not ready to let go of my learning and this community. I am stunned by the dedication and hard work the dancers of Ballet Vermont and Farm to Ballet put forth. It is hard to imagine that rain and climate change is the cause of this loss, but we need your help right now. Thanks for reading.”

- Beth

Breaking the stereotypes of what dancers look like, Ballet Vermont recognizes that all bodies are beautiful and can find expression through dance. The community of dancers is warm and welcoming and creates a safe space to learn and grow, surrounded by encouragement and celebration.

The Farm to Ballet project is a vital revenue source for Ballet Vermont and a few Vermont farms each year. The ballet tells the story of a Vermont farm through the seasons, bringing a relatable narrative to rural areas which would otherwise have little access to live dance performances.

This summer’s 8th performance season was severely impacted by the extreme weather faced by Vermont this year. In addition to the major flooding events and resulting state of emergency that impacted much of the State in early July, there were record-breaking rains during the majority of the Farm to Ballet season.

Funds raised by the Friends of Farm to Ballet will be used to pay partner farms; the staff of the Farm to Ballet project; and production expenses accrued this summer.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you on the farms and under blue skies next summer.

Photo Credit (all photos): Photospoke

This GoFundMe page is put together by Marica Porter, a Friend of Farm to Ballet, dancer, instructor, and resident of Jericho, VT. This community of dancers means so much to me - they provide sanity and support during the crazy years of raising tiny humans. All funds raised will be donated directly to the Farm to Ballet project, on behalf of the Friends of Farm to Ballet. I am not a recipient of any funds, directly or indirectly.