Hello, wonderful people of the world! My name is Brodie, and I'm a 19 year old dancer trying to make something of his 7 year passion for movement. After a few auditions, I've been accepted to join Team Canada West and travel to Poland for the World Dance Championships. While there, I will be dancing in both the Ballet and Modern/Contemporary segments of the competition, taking place in Eastern Europe.
To be accepted on to the Canada West Team for the World Dance Championships is by far the largest opportunity that I've had the privilege of being part of. We're into our 2nd month of rehearsal and everything is starting to come together! To be able to dance and represent Canada across the Atlantic requires immense amounts of both time, dedication, and funding.
Currently, I am enrolled and taking part in the Simon Fraser University Contemporary Dance Programme as a first year student! I'm at school dancing and taking academics everyday from 8:30 to 7pm - at the earliest! I couldn't be more proud of the fact that I am able to be the first person in my family to go to university, as well as have the chance to travel intercontinentally for my passion - dance. However, it's been quite the struggle trying to afford both tuition as well as the fees for the competition on top of my education. And unfortunately, Canada doesn't fund it's dancers for events such as this.
This is where all of you fantastic people come in! It would mean the world to me if I was able to hold my position on the team, and travel to Poland to hold our title as gold medalists. Although a small team of choreographers and 40+ are working hard to show the world what Canada is capable of, it is you who will be making my dream a reality.
For Team Canada West, I am the only male in the senior division. Based from my auditions and previous dance experience I've been selected to dance in not only the Ballet, but also the Modern/Contemporary sections of the team! I've also had the opportunity to be chosen to dance in the small group pieces for both Ballet as well as Modern/Contemporary. This means that I will be representing Canada in 4 integral pieces, which I'm excited to be part of!
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
$3000 - is for the plane tickets, accommodations, and any other travel expenses while we're over in Poland
$1000 - is for equipment and other smaller fees. These are things such as paying the assistants and choreographers, buying costumes, new ballet slippers, team jackets, and many more various fees along the way.
A contribution of any amount from you would not only make me ecstatic, but it would mean that you're helping me get one step closer to fly out to Poland with my other team members! A donation of something as little as $20 from you, could be the big make it or break it for me! Any and all funds received is greatly appreciated, and quite frankly, would make my year.
Before you head out about your day, I want to say 'Thank you!'. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to help out a fellow arts lover, and for helping me make my passion a tangible aspect of my life! Even if you're unable to help financially, you can still be a huge support! Please share my story with your family, neighbours, co-workers, local milk man, pet cat, and everyone in between! The more people who are made aware, the larger my chances are of making this opportunity a reality.
***UPDATE*** 10/20/2013
I've been selected to represent Canada as a Senior Male Soloist, as well as with a duet with the loverly Kennedy Knopf, both in the contemporary category!!!
