Help Saul Get to Houston Ballet

Hi my name is Saul,

I have been offered a place at Houston Ballet II, the junior company of Houston Ballet, which is one of the top 5 ballet companies in America. Joining the company will open doors for me and start me on my journey as a professional dancer.

I was raised in Rotorua, in a single parent family, and have been dancing since I was six years old. I began ballet at the Anne Samson School of Ballet when I was eleven; a year later, I was invited to join the aspirational programmes at the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD). This provided me an insight into the world of ballet and my journey with NZSD began. Two years ago I was accepted into the full time programme.

This year I represented the NZSD at the Alana Haines Australasian Awards and was awarded 3rd place. I also had the privilege of representing the School at the National Ballet of Canada’s Assemblee Internationale, in Toronto, performing a work choreographed by Loughlan Prior from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Sharing the stage with talented dancers from 21 schools from around the world was an experience I will never forget.

While in Toronto, I was offered a scholarship to attend the Houston Ballet Academy’s 6 week Summer Intensive Programme. After such a fantastic experience in Houston, I was thrilled to have been offered a position at Houston Ballet’s junior company starting in December.

I am currently supporting my self by working cleaning the dance studios in the evenings and weekends, but because of my intensive training hours I am not able to work the hours needed to raise the additional money to cover the costs of my travel to the States.

I believe joining Houston Ballet is the next step towards my goal to become a professional ballet dancer. Please help me make this dream a reality by assisting me with the costs of my travel to the States.

I would be grateful for any support you can give.

Thank you.