Help: Rachel's Dream (A Performing Arts Business)

Think about dreams you have had in your life. I’m not talking about those images that occur during sleep or the fantasies we have about what we’ll do when we win the Mega Millions Jackpot. I want you to think about a cherished ambition or aspiration that might have seemed a little bit crazy, but you just knew it needed to happen. Well, that’s where I am sitting right now; smack dab in the middle of a dream that I have committed to turning into a reality, but I need your help to make it happen. This is your chance to play the fairy godparent role and join with a community of people who are going to make something magical happen.

Here’s the Quick Backstory: I was a teacher for over twenty years, but in June, I walked away from the institution of public schools because I no longer saw myself fitting into the mold that is currently required. However, I can’t see myself doing anything other than working with kids and sharing my passions and talents with them as they develop into amazing humans with their own dreams and goals. So the solution is to start my own business that allows me to still work with students, but do it on my own terms.

The Business: I have been involved with the arts since the age of two when I took my first dance class. Ever since then, performing arts have been a part of who I am, whether through dance, music, theatre, or teaching. I have decided to focus my energy and career on sharing the joy of performing arts with young people. Ravensong Theatrical Dance will be an opportunity for students to experience a little taste of musical theatre that will hopefully inspire them to become life-long supporters of the arts. I am not looking to train students for Broadway. I want to increase the opportunities for all young people to feel excited about and included in the world of theatre. The plan is to start by offering month-long workshops to homeschool students. In those four classes, students will learn fun choreography to a song from a musical, while also learning about the show and building skills such as collaboration, following directions, a positive work ethic, breaking stereotypes, physical fitness, and so much more. I have other ideas for expanding beyond the homeschool community down the road, but this is where the journey begins.

Why I Need You: If I am to make this business truly happen, I need to be focused on the task and have the time I need to launch things. That means I am currently not working elsewhere and have no source of income. I know you might think, “What kind of person walks away from a job and starts a new business without any ability to support themselves?” All I can say is, passion is a powerful motivator. My goal is to have classes up and running before February. That means I have about four months of bills to pay and some initial business start-up costs. Could you spare $30 to help make a dream come true? Or maybe you have $5 to give? Heck, maybe you have $500?!?! I will appreciate anything that you can contribute to show that you are supporting me as I embark on this wonderful, terrifying adventure!

And don’t forget to share this with others. You never know who might see it and want to help. Remember that a random act of generosity from a stranger gave a struggling Carol Burnett the $1,000 start she needed to move to New York to fulfill her acting dreams. And like Burnett, I promise to use the money to help accomplish my dream and, when I find success, I will help others out in the future. Thank you for reading this Go Fund Me and for your support!