Athena Payne

Hi, my name is Athena, and dance has always been my safe place. I recently moved to America, and starting over in a new country wasn’t easy. Everything felt unfamiliar, and there were times I felt lost and unsure of where I belonged. But one thing that never changed was my love for dance. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been self-teaching myself how to dance, learning from videos, practicing alone, and dreaming of the day I could learn from real dancers and grow professionally. That dream started to feel real when my dad found a TikTok post about a dance studio called The Circle. The post talked about how the studio brings joy, peace, love, and comfort to dancers, and how it helps them grow not just as dancers, but as people. I decided to give it a chance—and joining that studio felt like striking gold. Only a few weeks after I joined, there was an event where dancers could try out for a special group called 360Pro. This group is different from regular classes. It focuses on helping dancers become stronger, more expressive, and more confident. They teach us how to control our bodies, connect with our emotions, express ourselves through movement, and even how to regulate ourselves and take care of our bodies and minds as dancers. Being chosen for 360Pro meant everything to me. It showed me that my hard work, even when I was teaching myself alone, was worth it. One of my teachers in the 360Pro program, Dana, is a well-known dancer who has traveled and danced all over the world. She has auditioned for and been selected to work with some of the biggest singers and dancers known today. Learning from someone with her experience is truly inspiring. She pushes us to be better, believe in ourselves, and never give up on our dreams. Having mentors like her makes me feel like I’m finally getting the professional guidance I once only dreamed about. Recently, our studio shared an opportunity that could change my life—a dance retreat in Spain with the same organization connected to our program. This retreat would give me the chance to train, grow, and challenge myself in ways I never have before. It would allow me to see my progress, learn from experienced dancers, connect with others who share my passion, and experience dance on a whole new level in a different country. Dance is more than just movement to me. It’s where I feel peace. It’s where I feel confident. It’s where I feel like myself. Being able to attend this retreat in Spain would mean the world to me because it represents growth, opportunity, and proof that all the hard work I’ve put in since I was a child matters. I am raising money to help cover the costs of travel, training, and participation in this retreat. Any support, big or small, would bring me one step closer to this dream. Even sharing my story helps more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me continue my dance journey. Your support means everything to me, and I promise to keep working hard, growing, and making the most of every opportunity I’m given.