Local dancer rallies support for ‘Disney dream’
NORWICH – Nearly 10 years of hard work and dedication to dance are paying off for a Norwich youth who has a chance to dance his way into the national spotlight and is seeking help from the local community.
Aidan Sullivan, a Norwich eighth grader and longtime student of the Amber Perkins School of the Arts, is the recipient of a dance scholarship giving him an opportunity to attend an intensive dance program at Disney where he’ll work with Broadway status talent, learn new techniques, and perform in the national spotlight during the televised Disney Christmas parade in December.
The scholarship – just one of four awarded to four dancers at a recent competition in Syracuse – pays a portion of Sullivan’s tuition into the program and his airfare. However, he’s reaching out to the community to raise an additional $4,000 to front remaining costs of tuition.
“This is exciting because I get the chance to improve, then come back and show how much I've improved,” said Sullivan. “Right now, I'm sending out letters to businesses to see if they want to donate.”
Sullivan’s fundraising campaign targets area business owners who are willing to pitch in. The goal, he said, is to raise enough to pay tuition while his family pays additional expenses, including lodging and food.
“We’re looking for anything that people want to donate. Every little bit helps,” he added.
“From what we have heard, other kids who have attended this program get the chance to perform on Broadway or other big events, so it's a good stepping stone hopefully to something bigger,” said Sullivan’s mother, Karen Hoffman. “Our focus is on getting the community to rally. It's not very often a kid from Norwich gets this kind of opportunity.”
Dance is only one section of Sullivan’s expansive arts portfolio. Last year, he took the stage in the Norwich High School’s rendition of “Marry Poppins,” as well as a leading role in the middle school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Add to that an ability to play seven instruments in the school band.
In addition to seeking support from local businesses, Sullivan is also selling himself for odd jobs – anything from baking to dog walking to yard work.
Said Hoffman, “We're hoping the community will step up to help.”
To help Sullivan, contributors are encouraged to make checks payable to “Aidan’s Disney Dream” and mail them to P.O. Box 255 Norwich, NY 13815. Additional information can be found by emailing Hoffman at grazecows@yahoo.com.
People can also follow Sullivan’s journey on Facebook at “Aidan’s Disney Dream.” Sullivan hopes to attend the program from Nov. 30 through Dec. 7.
Aidan Sullivan, a Norwich eighth grader and longtime student of the Amber Perkins School of the Arts, is the recipient of a dance scholarship giving him an opportunity to attend an intensive dance program at Disney where he’ll work with Broadway status talent, learn new techniques, and perform in the national spotlight during the televised Disney Christmas parade in December.
The scholarship – just one of four awarded to four dancers at a recent competition in Syracuse – pays a portion of Sullivan’s tuition into the program and his airfare. However, he’s reaching out to the community to raise an additional $4,000 to front remaining costs of tuition.
“This is exciting because I get the chance to improve, then come back and show how much I've improved,” said Sullivan. “Right now, I'm sending out letters to businesses to see if they want to donate.”
Sullivan’s fundraising campaign targets area business owners who are willing to pitch in. The goal, he said, is to raise enough to pay tuition while his family pays additional expenses, including lodging and food.
“We’re looking for anything that people want to donate. Every little bit helps,” he added.
“From what we have heard, other kids who have attended this program get the chance to perform on Broadway or other big events, so it's a good stepping stone hopefully to something bigger,” said Sullivan’s mother, Karen Hoffman. “Our focus is on getting the community to rally. It's not very often a kid from Norwich gets this kind of opportunity.”
Dance is only one section of Sullivan’s expansive arts portfolio. Last year, he took the stage in the Norwich High School’s rendition of “Marry Poppins,” as well as a leading role in the middle school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Add to that an ability to play seven instruments in the school band.
In addition to seeking support from local businesses, Sullivan is also selling himself for odd jobs – anything from baking to dog walking to yard work.
Said Hoffman, “We're hoping the community will step up to help.”
To help Sullivan, contributors are encouraged to make checks payable to “Aidan’s Disney Dream” and mail them to P.O. Box 255 Norwich, NY 13815. Additional information can be found by emailing Hoffman at grazecows@yahoo.com.
People can also follow Sullivan’s journey on Facebook at “Aidan’s Disney Dream.” Sullivan hopes to attend the program from Nov. 30 through Dec. 7.
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