Brushes and Ballet

Kasi, an Achievement First Iluminar Middle School student in Providence, Rhode Island, developed her passion for love art at an early age. "When I was around 2 or 3, I started drawing a lot," she recalls.  Her parents quickly noticed her budding interest and supported her passion. By the age of 9, Kasi participated in programs at the Empowerment Factory, earning numerous awards for her artwork. Although her focus shifted more toward other forms of art, dancing in particular, visual art has always remained a significant part of her life.  Kasi's lifelong passion for art and dance has culminated in her recently receiving the prestigious PPAC Arts Scholarship, which will cover her tuition for the Summer Dance Intensive at Ballet RI. With only 100 recipients each year, this scholarship is a significant achievement. Here’s a glimpse into the inspiring journey of this talented young artist.

Dancing Dreams

"I started dancing when I was 3," Kasi shares. What began as a fun activity evolved into an earnest pursuit. "Now I do it because I want to be a professional," Kasi explains. She started her dance training at a local college, where she participated in programs designed for young dancers.  Her mother reflects on Kasi's artistic and dance journey: "Kasi has always been into art and dance. I got her involved in the Empowerment Factory, and eventually, I joined the board. We also enrolled her in the RIDE program and the Ballet RI lottery, where she was accepted in 2020. Since then, she has received two scholarships, including the Derrick Davis Memorial Scholarship for students of color and the PPAC Scholarship for the Summer Dance Intensive at Ballet RI."

Family Inspirations

A love of art runs in Kasi’s family and has largely inspired Kasi's interest in ballet and art. "My Dad and my brother inspired me," she says. "My brother is really into art and photography, and my Dad has always loved dance and music." Her father had a music career as a rapper and owned a production company. "We would sit down and talk about music, and he would play music while I danced," Kasi fondly remembers. Her brother Kuran, a self-taught artist, has exhibited his work in galleries in Boston.

Artistic Ambitions

Kasi first learned about the PPAC Arts Scholarship from a friend who participated in the Summer Dance Intensive (SDI) at Ballet RI. "She told me about the scholarship and how to apply, so I decided to try out for it," Kasi says. Her mother always seeks scholarships to support Kasi's education. "I saw the PPAC scholarship on Facebook and knew an AF student got it last year," her mother adds. Kasi submitted a video and a collage she created in her school's Expeditions Program for her scholarship application. "The collage represented many things I like," she explains. When Kasi’s mom informed Anne Zuerner, Dean of Enrichment and Expeditions at AF Iluminar Middle School, that Kasi received the scholarship, Anne was delighted: “Kasi studies dance and art here at Iluminar, and we are so proud of her!” Kasi’s mom also thanks Mr. Morang, a longtime friend and an AF art teacher formerly at Iluminar MS and now at AF Providence High School, for supporting Kasi’s journey. “It was so great he got to be her art teacher.” Kasi’s mom said.

Impact of the Scholarship

Receiving the PPAC Arts Scholarship means the world to Kasi. "I want to be in The Nutcracker, and this scholarship will help make that dream a reality," she shares. Kasi has always wanted to perform in The Nutcracker, specifically in the role of Snow Fairy. The scholarship will also fund her one week of participation in the SDI this summer. Kasi's journey in ballet and art is a testament to her dedication, family support, and the opportunities her school and art programs, like those at AF, the Empowerment Factory, and Ballet RI, provide. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to shine!

Learn more about AF Iluminar Middle School here and check out their Instagram.