My name is Carmen Cardenas and this is my fundraising campaign to continue my dance journey!

Growing up I was always interested with dance and the way it made me feel, but remained behind the scenes due to not be able to afford it. I never thought I could be a serious dancer because I had no formal teaching. Luckily, I was able to take part in my high school dance team, Grizzly Dance Team, during my sophomore and junior year. My sophomore year we won the WA-State Hip-Hop title and won 2nd place for WA-State Hip-Hop my junior year. I later moved onto being apart of WA Elite Dance team where we won the Worlds Title for Hip-Hop 2013. 

After high school I found myself in a rut trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I wanted to make sure I was financially stable while also being able to pursue my passion in dance. I went from Pullman, to Sunnyside, to Bellevue, to Sunnyside, to Walla Walla, and then later back to Sunnyside. Although my heart has always come back to Sunnyside, I have not been afraid of taking risks with dance. I have pushed myself to try for different opportunities like America's Got Talent (where I got a call back) and So You Think You Can Dance, despite not continuing with those shows, I continue to finds ways to challenge myself as a dancer.  

I believe this journey of uncertainty and perseverance has been exactly what I have needed to land me to where I am today: on my way to London to be a member of the London Spring Tour. As a member I will take part in a week long of activities including dance seminars, workshops, mentoring, video shooting, and sightseeing. 

This opportunity is beyond my wildest imaginations of what I could have accomplished. As someone who is constantly finding ways to learn, not only in dancing, I am beyond excited to have been selected to be involved with the dance company. 

I am raising funds to pay for expenses I am not able to fully account for. I was privileged enough to receive a scholarship of $500, but I am still required to pay for air fare, registration, and food. 

I am thankful to any amount that is given to me and appreciate all the support I am given by anyone. I plan to continue saving through my job and finding other ways to fulfill this dream of mine. 

If you'd like to see more information from the dance company: dancelst.com