Help Daria study at San Francisco Ballet

Hi, my name is Daria Prokhnitski. I am 16 years old and I am training to become a professional ballet dancer. My love for ballet has always existed, as I have been surrounded by it since I was born. From the age of three until twelve, I attended Colorado Ballet Academy where I got my beginning knowledge of ballet from my mom. In 2020, my family made the bold decision to pack up our lives in Denver and spend some time in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where I could receive training of the highest caliber. This experience is what solidified my dream and goal of pursuing ballet as a career. For the past two years, I have been studying at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts on scholarship with a concentration in ballet. I have gained a lot of experience and education from UNCSA, but now it is time for me to take the next step in my training.

This past summer, I spent 4 weeks at San Francisco Ballet School’s Summer Intensive Program. While attending this program, I fell in love with the atmosphere, the teachers, the studios, and everything that San Francisco Ballet School has to offer. After working hard for the duration of the summer program, I am very fortunate and honored to have been offered a spot in the year-round pre-professional training program where I would study 6 days per week, deepening my knowledge of the ins and outs of classical ballet while simultaneously attending an online high school program.

To be invited to train at one of the world's most prestigious ballet schools is a dream come true and a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, as difficult as it will be to leave my family, friends, and teachers, I have decided that attending San Francisco Ballet School is the best way to elevate my training and to continue moving forward in achieving my goal.

I enjoy every aspect of ballet, the hard work, the determination it takes, and even the pain that comes with it. There can be no peaks without valleys, no improvement or beauty without sacrifice. The joy and satisfaction of performing makes every hardship even more worth it. As soon as I step out onto the stage, all my worries disappear and I feel as if I really become the ballerina I have worked so hard to be. This is why I love my art form.

In order for me to be able to take this next step, I am in need of support to help realize my dreams. The annual cost to attend San Francisco Ballet School includes tuition, room & board, travel, ballet uniform, pointe shoe expenses and online schooling. My parents have made every sacrifice possible to allow me to pursue my dream, including working two jobs each and continually supporting me emotionally and physically as the demands of my art form increase. The cost of the school is more than we will be able to afford without help.

San Francisco Ballet School would not only provide me with high level training and expertise from the faculty, it would also open doors to joining the top ballet companies in the world, including San Francisco Ballet. Training at this school is a huge step forward toward reaching my professional career goals.

Anything you are able to contribute to furthering my ballet training would be extremely helpful, and I would be eternally grateful for your generosity and support.

With gratitude,

Daria Prokhnitski

Visit my Instagram to follow my journey!