Hi everyone, My name is Lilly King. I am a 20-year-old aspiring professional dancer and choreographer living in North Carolina and have been dancing for 18 years now. Earlier this year I was given the most amazing opportunity to attend CLI Conservatory this coming September. CLI Conservatory is a dance program located in Southhampton, Massachusetts that aims to prepare dancers for the professional world and the dance industry and only 40 students are chosen to attend each year. I was fortunate to have been accepted into the program and am so excited to continue to learn and grow alongside some of the most amazing young artists out there.

At the moment the financial aspect of this opportunity has been a source of stress, not only for me but for those around me. The monthly tuition to attend alone is $2,500 and that doesn't count housing expenses, which can end up being anywhere from $600 to $900 a month. Another aspect of this issue is that I will have to move out to Southhampton to attend, leaving my partner and pet behind in an apartment that will still need at least $950 monthly for rent. If we cannot continue to pay the rent then we will have to send our dog Astrid to live elsewhere. I am currently working 3 jobs to try and save up enough leading up to the start date but, unfortunately, the schedule while attending CLI doesn't allow time for me to be able to work even a part-time job, so I am reaching out for help. I am so lucky to be surrounded by and know some of the kindest and most caring people and if you are willing or able, anything that you can give is so greatly appreciated. Dancing has always been my passion and to be able to continue that with CLI would be a dream come true.

Thank you <3.