Dancer...Fundraiser?

When I made up my mind at the age of five that I wanted to be a ballerina, there were a few things that I didn't bargain for. One was how difficult it is to dance well, another is the mental challenge, and even more surprising is the emotional side. If you're discouraged, or distracted, joyful, or excited, it shows up in your dancing and effects the way you move. 

Here's a few things I didn't realize I'd become in addition to a dancer.

Seamstress. You never realize how much sewing you'll end up doing. Even with Pointe Shoes costing about $80 a pair, you still must sew on your ribbons and elastics to every shoe. When you're going though a pair every 8 or so hours of use, that's a lot of sewing.

Hair and Makeup Artist. This one is more obvious but it's deceiving. It takes practice to apply stage makeup correctly and the ability to put your hair up for ballet (especially with curly hair) is not easy.

Shoe Cobbler. Well, not really. But a few days ago about two inches of the sole of my pointe shoe detached from the satin (This is NOT supposed to happen and yet, you could poke your finger right through which is VERY bad) leaving me to sew and then glue it back together for rehearsal the next morning. 

Fundraiser.  I have always been self reliant so asking friends and family to help is a challenge for me. When I was asked to attend the Rock School's summer program in 2014, I realized I needed to be creative to be able to pay for tuition, travel, and board. I was humbled and honored that through generous support my financial needs were not just met, but went above and beyond to cover every cost I had that summer.

As my ballet school's spring performance approaches, I am busy practicing my stage makeup and hair, and sewing my pointe shoes. Very soon, it will be summer, and with it brings the need to fundraise yet again. 

Ballet Magnificat is a company that tours domestically and internationally with the mission to spread Christ's love and grace. Every summer they hold a four week long intensive in Jackson, Mississippi, with chapel in the morning and evening and ballet classes all day long. I am excited to say that I have been accepted into this wonderful program and I cannot wait to go! The only catch is I need you to help me get there. Last year with your help, I was able to raise over $5000 dollars to attend the Rock School For Dance Education's Intensive. This year I only need $3000. The first deadline is a thousand dollars due April 1st, a mere 22 days away. 

If you are interested in helping me reach my goal, you may mail a donation to my address or give it to me in person. 

Thank you for your time, and please send your prayers,

Josie Goff

Questions? Want my address? gingerballerina @ gmail.com