2026 Year-End Giving
Be the Spark That Ignites a Child’s Dream
When I was five years old, I asked my father to enroll me in ballet lessons; however, he was saving for a family home, and extra expenses were not feasible. I then discovered a friend who was taking ballet, so I asked her mother if I could accompany her simply to observe. Although I could not participate, I was grateful for the opportunity to watch.
Seven years later, my middle school director took us to a live orchestra performance at a music hall, and the institution asked us children to write about the experience. Instead, I shared my personal dreams and requested that they assist me in finding a sponsor to provide a ballet scholarship. Through this, an institution finally granted me a full scholarship, and my dream began to materialize seven years after I first watched my friend’s ballet class. From that day forward, I remained a scholarship student. The final scholarship I received in my life was provided by Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) with support of Mr. Mitchell and the organization’s sponsors.
My formative training in Dance Theatre of Harlem’s professional program equipped me to collaborate with diverse dancers, providing an environment that respects both individual needs and a collective commitment to professional excellence.
Today, I have integrated this foundational philosophy into my own teaching at DTH, ensuring that my students feel secure, confident, and empowered to pursue their aspirations. Engaging children in arts programs has been shown to enhance memory, concentration, attention, resilience, and discipline. Furthermore, I have seen the arts generally promote teamwork, confidence, and stress reduction, while helping individuals work effectively under pressure and providing mechanisms to cope with difficult family or home environments.
As a former student who witnessed and was profoundly influenced by Mr. Mitchell’s vision, I now bear the responsibility of carrying it forward as an instructor at DTH. He made it possible for me to become a professional dancer by opening the doors of his dance house and allowing me to realize my childhood dream.
I hope that all who read my story understand that another child, much like I once was, may at this very moment be praying for someone to be inspired to provide them with the opportunity to dream big. I can’t understand why a child must postpone their dreams simply due to a lack of the material resources required to fulfill them. We have a collective responsibility to prevent this occurrence. Consistent with Mr. Mitchell’s philosophy, every child possesses the inherent right to aspire to great achievements.
– Cassia Lopes, DTH School Instructor
Donate to DTH by December 31, 2026 to carry forward Mr. Mitchell’s vision and ensure that every child who wants to dance, can be given that opportunity.