From very early on I was taught to appreciate the reward of hard work and the ​value of a dollar. My family tries hard to live a modest lifestyle, it is easy to be spartan when you have 4 other brothers and sisters.  You value the important things, good health, good grades, and most importantly a loving and supportive family. I want for very little in the way of material items.  Although no one in my family has the newest computers, iPhones, or trendy gadgets, we are happy.  My mom is the teacher, coach, barber/stylist, recreation director, and more.  Dad works hard and provides our family with all the educational opportunities we can handle.  My parents believe in investing in our future and not in the latest fad. Our grandparents are extremely generous and spoil us a bit but we don't let it go to our heads. I have learned living is tough and wonderful and to appreciate everything you have because life is a gift.



Beyond that I have been given another gift. I am a pretty fair dancer and have a very sharp mind. Neither talent do I plan to waste in any way. I am 3 grades ahead in school, being homeschooled has given me a great advantage and I am able to work at my own pace, not to mention focus on my dance more intensively. I am a 4.0 honors student and was recently accepted to Interlochen Academy of the Arts on a significant scholarship and hope to graduate in 2014. After that, I will venture into unknown territory.  It is a bit scary since the statistics for professional dance careers show a 2% chance of getting hired professionally. But I don't focus on the numbers because my love for ballet overshadows any fear and obstacles that I may encounter. If I can remain injury free and can afford the training I need, I am confident I will achieve my goals of working and dancing professionally and maybe eventually teaching.



I am hoping I have gained your ear and would like you to hear me out a little further. Dance is an astronomical expense that my parents gladly provide, but the expense is becoming greater and greater the further I progress. This year I was accepted to a selective Ballet Summer Intensive at Kaatsbaan and I am honored that they recognize my potential but the price tag is very steep. This compounded with an Interlochen education is enough to give my dad heart palpatations. This doesn't even include pointe shoes that need replacing about once a month at the price of $64 a pair.



My parents have made a lot of sacrifices to help me achieve my dreams, you may wonder what I do to help.  I wanted desperately to get a job at Dunkin Donuts or the grocery store to help offset some of my expenses, but at barely 14, my hours would be so paltry that the time away from school and practice would not be worth it, my parents tell me. It is a Catch-22 and it has brought me to creating this website chronicling my experience and asking for your sponsorship in addition to the chores babysitting and gardening to raise fruits and veggies to offset grocery bills, I do daily. 



I am a hard worker and your investment would not be wasted. I have a profound commitment to ballet and the preservation of the arts, to my education, and the well being of my family and greater society. Please join me on this journey and help me gain the advantages that come with good training that are inevitably an expense that will make or break a dancer.  With training comes connections vital to making it in this tough industry.  I have the ambition, the hard work and focus. I have the base and the foundations of an excellent support system.  Please consider joining my support team by donating what you can.  Every dollar helps and is so very appreciated.  





Donating is easy and secure using PayPal.  Click on an amount below and let me know if you prefer to remain anonymous.

 

Thank you to my generous sponsors!

 

Ballet Masters $2500+

Grandma and Grandpa

Meeme and Papa Gator

 

Principals $500

Carol and Ruben Armes



 

Soloists Circle $250

Mihajlica Family

Carl and Linda Doherty

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Demi-Soloists Circle $100

Kraszewski Family

Andy and Ilene Taylor



Corps de Ballet Circle $50





Lovers of the Arts

Lucci Family                                  Amy and Charlotte Rose

L. Galletta                                     Banerjee Family

Jennifer Lunsford                           John and Cindy Boychuk  

Laura Barrett

Ribbons and Elastics for one month

$5