I'm William Stout, and I'm currently a pre-professional ballet student in NYC, and a Film & Business Major at Columbia University. I was initially introduced to ballet in the third grade through Pacific Northwest Ballet's outreach program, DanceChance. I have continued this artistic pursuit ever since, and have had the opportunity to venture across the country and world, attending prestigious programs, including the Royal Ballet School in London and the School of American Ballet in New York City. However, I can also attest to the adversities that many dancers face. As a result, I decided to establish "the Will to Dance" at age 16. Ever since, I have made it my goal to help inspire the next generation of young dancers and give them the opportunity to experience the unique possibilities of this art form.