

About

$650
17
Artist Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP) is an organization based out of New York City that connects performing and visual artists with underserved youth in the U.S. and around the world to awaken their imaginations, foster critical thinking, and help them break the cycle of poverty. The Mariposa Foundation in the Dominican Republic aligns with the goals of ASTEP and is looking to change the lives of local girls by using dance education to teach both confidence and self expression.
I am passionate about assisting the Mariposa Foundation, as dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Specializing in Irish dancing, I have toured Europe and the United States with Celtic Fire, Magic of Ireland, To Dance on the Moon, Rhythm in the Night, Gaelforce Dance and Raglan Road in Walt Disney World. But while dancing has always been a part of my life, it is through teaching that I am truly able to share my passion for dance with others. I have 10 years of experience teaching Irish dance in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, Delaware and have even traveled to Zambia, where i taught a dance class to the girls of Same World, Same Chance.
Since earning my TCRG through An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gealacha (Irish dance teacher certification), I have been looking to further challenge myself and broaden my horizons by making Irish dance teaching my profession. I was incredibly humbled at the opportunity to work with ASTEP and the Mariposa Foundation, and bring my love of talent and commitment to teaching Irish dance to the girls of Cabarete in the Dominican Repiblic.
While I am being provided basic living expenses through the organization, further funding is still needed for me to be able to successfully run the program in the most effective way and further ASTEP's mission - If I surpass my fundraising goal I will use the rest of the money towards furthering Irish dance education in Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Help me change the lives of children around the world by providing funding for my program! Thank you so much for your donations!!
Risks and challenges
ASTEP and the Mariposa Foundation provide me with a lot of resources and support so I feel very confident in the program! I hope that Irish dance can continue to grow in the DR and other countries after I am finished with these three months whether it continues to be with these helping foundations or on my own. If the program takes off and is a success, I would like to help place other Irish dance instructors in Cabarete. When I am done with this program, I am planning to focus some of my energy on the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company- a new performance group I formed to give retired dancers the opportunity to dance and perform once again.
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Funding period
- (10 days)