Leah Abbott ABT Summer Intensive

My name is Leah Abbott and I'm thirteen years old. My dream is to become a professional dancer.  I take ballet classes at South Carolina Dance Theatre.  I dance everyday.  Even when I'm not in ballet class I dance.  I dance at home.  I dance at school.  I dance in stores.  I dance in my backyard.  I dance in the pool.  I dance at the park.  I love to dance. 

I even dance during the summer.  Every professional dancer attended summer intensives when they were younger.  Summer intensives are intense summer programs for the serious dancers.  For the past two summers, I attended the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities summer dance program. This year I got accepted into the American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive in New York City. This is one of the top programs in the country!  Dancers from all over the world audition for this program.  I feel very fortunate that I was accepted.  I am very excited!  The only problem is the cost. The ABT summer intensive costs $2700. That covers tuition but they don't provide housing.  Each dancer is responsible for their own housing.  Since I'm only 13 my mom will be coming to NYC with me to be my chaperone.  We are still looking for a place to rent for 5 weeks in NYC.  As you can see the cost is adding up...living in NYC for 5 weeks will not be cheap.

My parents are working very hard to make it possible for me to attend this prestigious program.  I want to help my parents with the cost.  One of my friends suggested this website so I can raise money to cover part of the cost.  Some of you have already asked me or my parents how to help and support me. Any amount I can raise will help. Even if you can't donate any money, you could help me by sharing my story with your friends and family.

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this.  I hope I was able to convey to you how serious I am about becoming a professional dancer.

Cover photo taken by Heather White.