About me
I grew up and still live on a small farm in Switzerland. Since I was little I always loved to dance. I used to dance around the living room with my best friends all the time. When I was in school, I took some jazz and contemporary classes. Since my mom was a dancer herself, she used to show me some steps and occasionally teach a class to me and my friends. Naturally, living on a farm and being occupied by other things like horses, nature and other great stuff, I didn't start dancing seriously until I was 14. I took my first ballet class and I immediately fell in love with this art form. I knew it wouldn't be easy for me since I am a "late starter", but I have the dedication, drive and passion that it takes to become a dancer. I've been working very hard in the last 4 years to come a bit closer to my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I started out at a little studio in Bern and am now training at a bigger studio in Lausanne. Since ballet is not very popular in Switzerland and there are not many ballet schools to choose from, I travel over 4 hours a day to get to class and back home. It is often very tiring, but I have a dream and I am willing to do and sacrifice a lot for it. In Switzerland there are no such things as summer intensives. Fortunately my mom is originally from New York and has family there. This past January I got the chance to travel to New Yok and audition for ballet summer intensives. I was there for 5 weeks and could stay with my mom's cousin. I was super happy when i found out that I got accepted to Ballet Chicago's 5-week summer program and it's 2-week advanced intensive. I also got accepted to the Atlanta Ballet program, but I've decided Chicago is the best fit for me.
Since my dad is a dairy farmer and my mom has a part-time job at a museum, finances are tight. My dad runs the farm all by himself. He has a very bad scoliosis in his lower back and that makes things even harder for him. My parents have been supporting me as best as they can and I am very gratefull for that. But it's getting harder and harder and there comes a time were they can't support me anymore. That said, it's my turn to take the control of my dance path and try to support myself. Going to Chicago this summer is very important to me to further my technique and artistry. The next 2-3 years are my curucial cowntdown years, before getting into a company.
What I need
I hope to attend Ballet Chicago's 5-week and 2-week advanced intensive this summer. They are run right after each other, so I would be staying there for 7 weeks. The total cost including housing, food and tuition is $6,330. Additionaly I'll need about $900 for airfare from Switzerland to Chicago and back. I am trying to work and save money, but as a full-time ballet student that's not so easy. My parents said they are able to give me $2000, but the rest I need to come up with myself. So I need some extra help.
The impact
Becoming a professional ballet dancer has been my dream since some years now and I'm working every day very hard to get a bit closer to my goal. Training at Ballet Chicago this summer will help me develop my technique and artistry and bring me a great bit closer to becoming the dancer I would like to be. Being surrounded by great teachers and dancers will help me grow and give me insight of what it will be like in the world of dance. This would be a big opportunity for me and you can make it come true.
Other ways you can help
Help me spread the word. No matter how; by facebook, twitter, blogs ect. or in person. Any way can help. The more people know, the better. Thank you so much for your support!
