The American Ballet Theatre Dream
Help Sonia & Ashley get to New York for the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive!
Christchurch, Canterbury
Sonia and Ashley Woods, aged 16 and 14 respectively, need help achieving their dream of becoming the first New Zealanders in the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the Top 10 Ballet Companies in the world.
Last week, the two sisters received acceptances into the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive held in New York. Thousands auditioned for the opportunity worldwide, and only around 30 dancers of each of the girls' ages were accepted. This Intensive provides the opportunity for them both to kickstart their careers as Professional Ballet Dancers.
In 2019, Sonia and Ashley were named ABT National Training Scholars. Only 10 dancers worldwide were awarded this elite scholarship in direct recognition of their potential to become Company Members. This scholarship is awarded on a year-by-year basis through attending the Summer Intensive. However, before Sonia & Ashley were able to take up the opportunity, the Covid pandemic hit and they were unable to attend the Intensive to renew their scholarships. They have been waiting 3 years for this opportunity to present itself again, and they need help to get there.
Please help Sonia and Ashley attend the Summer Intensive in New York! They need as much financial support as possible to be able to take up this amazing opportunity and make their dreams come true.
You can watch these talented young dancers at the following links:
CB Dance Community's involvement (page creator)
We are Sonia & Ashley's dance community!
Use of funds
The money will be used to cover the expenses of travelling to New York- accommodation, flights and course fees. If we exceed the goal then all remaining money will be put aside to help them once they move overseas for their careers.
Latest update
Sonia Accepted into American Ballet Theatre JKO School 12 August 2022
Hi Everyone!
Sonia & Ashley arrived back from NYC a couple of weeks ago. Thank you so, so much to you all for your incredible support to help get them over there. Both Sonia & Ashley had a phenomenal time learning from some of the world's leading Ballet faculty, and grew so much as dancers and people during their 5 weeks over there.
While in NYC, Sonia was able to audition for the American Ballet Theatre JKO School- one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. We are thrilled to announce that a few days ago Sonia received an acceptance letter! It is a very surreal and exciting time for her. Without all of your generous help, this opportunity would not have been possible. We cannot show enough appreciation to you all!
It is now time to begin fundraiser #2 to help Sonia with her living costs and getting back to NYC to take up this incredible opportunity. If you are keen to show your support again we couldn't thank you enough. However, either way, we thank you so much for contributing towards Sonia's journey and making it possible for one of her biggest dreams to come true. This is a huge next step in beginning her professional dance career with one of the world's top Ballet companies, and it wouldn't have been possible without her getting to NYC to audition.
Please reach out if you would like to be a part of her next fundraiser.
Thank you all!
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