My name is Saviana Wakefield, and I am a student at Collage. And so, I’d like to share my story, and my experiences of how the training I’ve received from Collage’s faculty, and the transformative power of dance, have shaped my life.
So, when I first walked into this conservatory, it actually wasn’t standing where it is now on the corner of Tillman and Sam Cooper; it was instead wedged within a small complex on Broad Avenue, a place we, the students, fondly recall as “The Old Building”. My then 7 year old self was immediately enamored by the diversity and the representation of people who looked like me participating in classical ballet. I knew from that moment that Collage was the place that I wanted to be.
And, thanks to the scholarships offered here – that are paid for through people of the community like you all who are gracious enough to become donors – I was given an opportunity to join the conservatory; an opportunity that has gone far beyond learning barre combinations and choreography.
Collage has taught me so much more than how to correctly do a pirouette or how to execute a leap. This is because the various teachers that I’ve had here have instilled within me a discipline and ambition that are now deeply ingrained in every aspect of my life. The high expectations set for each of the conservatory students translates into a real world dedication to excellence and hard work. Each rehearsal, each performance has taught me the correlation between effort and persistence to progress. These lessons extend far beyond the studio, and have helped me excel academically. My grades have improved, and not because I’ve learned how to dance, but because I’ve learned to approach every challenge with the same dedication and focus I bring to practices.
And going even further, I also had the privilege to serve as an intern in Collage’s development department in March of this year. I learned many skills such as how to build a resume, how to develop a fundraiser, and the importance of proper communication. These are skills that will undoubtedly be invaluable to my career as I aspire to one day work in politics as a political scientist. And this program has given me insight into the ins and outs of the professional world, and is evidence of Collage’s holistic approach that ensures we are not just artists but also capable professionals ready for the demands of the modern world.
In sharing my experience, it is paramount that I talk about my time with the Collage Youth Ensemble, which, if you don’t know, is a select group of students from the conservatory chosen to receive additional training and performance opportunities. And so, being a member of CYE has heightened my passion for the art and given me the opportunity to travel across America, performing in various cities and experiencing different cultures, which has deepened my understanding of the world, and allowed me to connect not only with diverse audiences, but also with the other 12 amazing members of CYE I have been incredibly lucky to be able to dance with for the past 5 years.
So, I want to call upon you all to imagine a world where every student who has the passion for dance can have these same, exact opportunities—where financial barriers do not stand in the way of dreams. Your support can make this vision a reality, and by donating to our conservatory, you will be investing in the future of countless students who, like me, are driven by a love for dance and a desire to excel.
Your contribution will help provide more scholarships, support our unique student internship program, and open doors for students to travel and perform, ensuring that no talented individual is left behind due to financial constraints, and that every aspiring dancer has the chance to reach their full potential.
Thank you so much for your time and your generosity, and I believe that together we can make a difference.
Thank you.
Your contribution will help provide more scholarships, support our unique student internship program, and open doors for students to travel and perform, ensuring that no talented individual is left behind due to financial constraints, and that every aspiring dancer has the chance to reach their full potential.
– Saviana W., Senior at White Station High School, member of Collage Youth Ensemble, & scholarship student at Collage Dance since 2014
Over the years, with the help of our supporters, Collage Dance has made an impact on thousands of children. Your support today can reach even more!
Four bold, unforgettable ballets. Three showtimes. One weekend to experience it all live.
Four bold, unforgettable ballets. Three showtimes. One weekend to experience it all live.
