I grew up watching First State Ballet Theatre perform and I knew I always wanted to be there. After high school, in 2013 I joined FSBT as a professional ballet dancer and I have been dancing there ever since. I've always felt so fortunate to have a  quality ballet company near my home,  one that performs and rehearses full length classical ballets and world premiers in the gorgeous and historic Grand Opera House. I have met some of my dearest friends and have had some of my fondest memories take place in that theatre. I have learned more in those ballet studios than I did ever did in a classroom about art, life, discipline and perseverance. 

 At first, I did ballet for me, but I soon realized it is so much greater than me. Doing something I love could make people cry, laugh, and feel inspired as they leave the theatre and return to their normal lives. It is another occasion my family and friends look forward to, getting together and sharing a collective experience.  I once received a letter from a chronically ill audience member and they shared with me, "in those two hours in the theatre I forgot how much pain I was in". Ballet has made me truly realize that the importance of the arts in communities and propelled me to start my own non profit for the arts.

Beyond the company, FSBT offers premier ballet training, Dance Works - an outreach program for youth in Wilmington, the National Ballet Competition - an tremendous experience for students to perform, take classes and receive scholarships from prestigious schools around the country. 

FSBT has impacted so many lives of audience members, dancers and students here in Delaware and beyond. Please consider supporting this organization that is dear to me and many others.