Overview
Alyssia's Dream,NFP.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing ballet scholarships for young girls of color
Ballet is one of the most exquisite and disciplined art forms, demanding dedication, commitment, and exceptional talent. Ballet dancers earn immense respect and admiration for the years of rigorous training required to reach professional status.
In recent years, efforts to increase accessibility in ballet have encouraged more girls of color to pursue this beautiful art. However, many families face financial barriers that make it difficult to enroll their children in high-quality ballet programs, particularly in Chicago. Limited resources and support systems often hinder young dancers of color from achieving their full potential in the ballet world.
Determined to make a difference, Alyssia Duda launched Alyssia’s Dream, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing ballet scholarships to deserving young girls. The inspiration behind Alyssia’s Dream came when Alyssia accidentally discovered the true cost of her ballet tuition. Moved by the financial sacrifices her family made and recognizing that many others faced similar challenges, she felt compelled to take action—not only to help her own family but also to support other aspiring ballerinas.
For years, Alyssia has envisioned a future where all girls, regardless of financial background, have the opportunity to pursue their passion for ballet. Through Alyssia’s Dream, she is turning that vision into reality, empowering young dancers and ensuring that the art of ballet becomes more accessible and inclusive.
Alyssia's Statement
Alyssia’s Dream Scholarship Program
Qualifications and Requirements
Qualifications and Requirements
When to Apply
I began my love for ballet at the age of three. As I grew so did my desire to become a professional ballerina. When I dance I feel like I am in another place. I feel like I am dancing in heaven. It is my passion, it is my world. I cannot imagine life without it. I know there are a lot of other girls that feel the same way too. Unfortunately, some cannot follow their dreams because of the cost of training. I do not believe that the cost of something should stop anyone from pursuing their passion.
That's why I created Alyssia's Dream. It is my way of helping other ballerinas to pursue their goals of becoming dancers. It is my dream to give others a fair chance to fulfill their dreams. So many girls have to stop dancing or cannot even begin the training at all because of the financial burdens that can come with ballet. From classes, to ballet dance wear, to lessons, it is all a lot for parents. I am going through this myself with my mom who tries so hard to make sure I get to do what I love the most. I want all ballerinas to have everything they need to become successful dancers. It is my hope that Alyssia's Dream will not only help lift the burden of training cost for others but for my parents as well.
The annual Alyssia’s Dream Scholarship program is created for girls 10 to 16 and consists of two scholarships categories. The Alyssia’s Dream, Dream Scholarship and The Alyssia’s Dream, Community Engagement Scholarship.
*The scholarships are open to U.S residents only.
The Dream Scholarship
The Alyssia’s Dream, Dream Scholarship is awarded to benefit qualifying young girls of color, that are in need of financial support, who desire to continue their dance education and pursue their dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer.
*The applicant must be enrolled in a pre-professional program at their home studio*
TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION- EMAIL: ALYSSIASDREAM@ALYSSIADUDA.COM
Community Engagement Scholarship
The Alyssia’s Dream, Community Engagement Scholarship will be awarded to qualifying young girls of color in under-served communities who desire to explore the art of ballet.
TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION-EMAIL ALYSSIASDREAM@ALYSSIADUDA.COM
TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION-EMAIL ALYSSIASDREAM@ALYSSIADUDA.COM
Alyssia’s Dream Private Lesson Scholarship
This scholarship is available for young girls of color (age 12-18) who are full-time pre-professional ballet students. This Scholarship is need-based an will be awarded at the selection committee's discretion.
When to Apply
How to become a part of Alyssia's Dream
Partnerships and Supporters
Applications open on June 11, 2021. Applications close on July 1, 2021 at Midnight.
This is an amazing opportunity for you to help Alyssia's Dream come true. Please email AlyssiasDream@AlyssiaDuda.com to request more information or click the button below to make your donation today!
If you would like to become a partner or supporter of Alyssia's Dream. Please email AlyssiasDream@AlyssiaDuda.com for further information.
