Zoie Stratton’s Cincinnatti Ballet Summer Intensive

Hello my name is Zoie Stratton.  I am 13 years old and in the 8th grade at Van Hoosen Middle School.  I have been dancing since I was 4 years old and every time I dance my passion for the art form grows.  I love to dance because I can express myself through movement and tell a story.  Dance makes me feel free.  Dance also gives me confidence, teaches me discipline and responsibility.  I have grown in this love of ballet through my experiences with the Michigan Ballet Theatre, a pre-professional company led by Mrs. Cornelia Sampson.  With MBT I have had the privilege to perform in many productions like: The Nutcracker, Coppelia, and Sleeping Beauty.  Through this experience I have gotten a taste of what it might be like in the professional world of dance and it has opened my eyes to what I would like to do in the future.  I recently auditioned and was selected to participate in the Cincinnati Ballet Summer Program.  This opportunity will help me grow technically and artistically.  I want to push myself to be the best I can be. 

This year I have had many wonderful opportunities and am very thankful for everything, but I also have to make choices.  My parents want me to show them how much I am commited and said if I could raise the money I could go.  If I am blessed enough to receive $10 from 300 people I will have enough money to reach my goal of attending the Cincinnati Ballet Summer Program.  It is important to me to show my grattitude for everyone's generosity.  Therefore, for every $20 I raise I will donate an hour of my time to a local charity. My hope is to pay it foward by mentoring young, less fortunate children by offering tutoring and teaching a dance class. Thank you so much for your consideration and I really appreciate your help.

Love,

Zoie Stratton