Help Martha Dance Her Way to New York City! -Studio to Stage

Help Martha Dance Her Way to New York City!

Hi, I’m Martha, and I’m on a mission to turn my lifelong dream into reality!

Dance isn’t just a passion for me—it’s my voice, my story, and my escape. Growing up in a small town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia as one of nine siblings, life was often about making do with what we had. Simple treats, like sharing a bag of grapes, taught

me to appreciate the little things and find joy in challenges. Extracurricular activities, including ballet, were only possible through hard work, fundraising, and scholarships. But through it all, I never stopped dreaming of dancing on the world’s biggest stages.

This year, I’ve been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to compete at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in New York City with my group from The Dance Institute Directed by Diana Rutherford and our piece choreographed by Hannah Mae Cruddas! YAGP is one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. It’s not just about

competing—it’s a chance to take incredible master classes, grow as an artist, and gain the exposure I need to take the next step toward a professional ballet career.

Performing at YAGP will help me:

�� Hone my artistry, technique, and stage presence.

✨ Build confidence and resilience in high-pressure situations.

�� Make connections and learn from some of the world’s best ballet mentors.

But I need your help to make it happen.

As much as I’ve worked hard to fund my passion through part-time jobs and scholarships, the costs of travel, accommodation, and competition fees are beyond what I can manage alone. With your support, I can take this crucial step toward achieving my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer.

Why Dance Means Everything to Me

For me, ballet isn’t just about movement—it’s about storytelling. It’s my way of connecting with the world and making sense of it. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety, and ballet became my therapy. The studio is my sanctuary; the more I dance, the lighter I feel. There’s a line from Dead Poets Society that has always stayed with me:

“Beauty, poetry, romance, love—these are what we stay alive for.”

I dance because I believe in creating beauty and sharing it with the world. Ballet gives me the chance to inspire, to heal, and to remind others of the importance of feeling deeply in a world that sometimes feels numb.

Watch Me Dance!

I’d love for you to get to know me better. Check out my YouTube video to see my journey and passion for ballet:

Watch Here

https://youtu.be/rlKbssxoHi4

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. Your support—whether through donations or sharing this campaign—means the world to me. Together, we can bring this dream to life and take my first big leap (literally!) toward a future in ballet.

With gratitude and pirouettes,

Martha ❤️