Celebrating 15 Years of Elevate!
Photos (from top to bottom): Danielle Martinez, Naazir and Shaakir Muhammad, John Michael Abenanty, Bhajhan Williams
Elevate, Brooklyn Ballet's outreach program is celebrating its 15th year bringing ballet into Brooklyn public schools. Keep reading to hear from current and former students on how Elevate has impacted their lives.
"Studying at Brooklyn Ballet has enriched my life. I believe Brooklyn Ballet will set me up for studying dance at a performing arts high school and in college. Dance motivates me to work hard and do my best in school. Brooklyn Ballet has helped me improve my technique and increased my love for dance. My experience and participation in The Brooklyn Nutcracker was amazing. It was my first big production. It made me want to dance more than ever. It showed me that if you work at dance you can do anything."
-Danielle Martinez, Current Elevate Student at MS 8
Twins Naazir and Shaakir Muhammad, Elevate alumni from PS 251, now dance professionally with Houston Ballet and Norwegian National Ballet. From Naazir: "I wouldn't be where I am without you!"
"Brooklyn Ballet impacted my life in so many ways. They are the reason I am dancing today and the reason I live day by day passionately doing what I love. Brooklyn ballet is a family that cares about their dancers. They have changed my life forever by opening my eyes to the classical world, and I know they will change many more."
- John Michael Abenanty, PS 207 Elevate alumni & current professional dancer with Sofia National Opera and Ballet
"Our family will forever be grateful to you, Lynn Parkerson, Caridad Martínez and the Brooklyn Ballet Elevate Program. Congratulations on 15 wonderful years. Thank you for adding ballet to our vocabulary. We wish you all continued success."
-Christine Williams, mom to Bhajhan Williams, Elevate alumni from PS 312
