Jules Gershman

2023 Dance Scholarship Recipient

Jules is a junior at Metropolitan Ballet Academy in Maple Glen, PA. She discovered her passion for dance at a young age when her father was diagnosed with cancer. Determined to bring joy to the patients in his hospital ward during the holiday season, she put on her pointe shoes and danced for them. Seeing the smiles on their faces and witnessing the transformative power of dance ignited a deep sense of purpose within her. She realized that not only did she experience immense joy and freedom through dance, but she also had a profound desire to share this art form with others, bringing light into their lives even during challenging times.

For Jules, dance is a gift to be cherished and shared. Every time she steps into the studio, she is reminded of the privilege she has to express herself and connect with others through movement. Dance is a medium through which she can convey her thoughts, emotions, and stories. Just as different forms of art can be interpreted uniquely by each individual based on their own experiences, Jules aims to deliver narratives through her dance that resonate with diverse audiences, inviting them to find their own meaning and connection.

Having been dancing since the age of four, Jules credits her growth and development as a dancer and individual to the opportunities she has been given and the collaborations with inspiring teachers, peers, and professionals. These experiences, including sharing the stage with the Philadelphia Ballet during the Nutcracker season, have shaped her trajectory and fueled her ambition to pursue a career in dance. Jules will attend the Washington Ballet summer intensive to further her training and bring her closer to her goal of becoming a professional dancer. The Anthony Quinn Foundation scholarship will support her journey, and she is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her passion.