An important note: support is not just financial. While monetary support helps a lot and can provide the option to seize new opportunities, becoming a dancer is nearly impossible without at least one person who believes in you. So, a huge, heartfelt thank you to those who have supported my career thus far. The opportunities and places I’ve gotten to experience would not have been possible without you.

To my parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, and my siblings: You all have given me so much in terms everything: time & money, pointe shoes, pep talks & emotional support, plane tickets, and most importantly, the belief that I could make it as a professional dancer. So many dancers don’t have that support and I am incredibly thankful that you believed this could be a career from the day I started dancing.

To Maureen Breeze, who has been a teacher, choreographer and now, a mentor: Thank you. You’ve been there when it has been hard in the past, but you’ve also witnessed a lot of my best moments. I’m glad you’re there through it all to offer advice, a listening ear, and good conversation!

To Ballet Melange, Elizabeth Shipiatsky and Sergii Sydorskyi: Thanks for the excellent training that allowed me to go from student to professional, and for opening doors to opportunities in Europe.

And finally, to all the audience members who have ever seen any dance performance (maybe one I’ve danced in!): Thank you for supporting the arts. Without an audience, we wouldn’t be dancers. It is your support of arts organizations near you and all over the world that lets people like me dance all day long and get paid to do so! It truly is a dream come true.

~ Anaka