Mission Statement
Empowering and inspiring the next generation to explore dance through films, outreach programs, educational initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
Who We Are
We are a group of individuals from dance, film, and the arts industries who came together over a common mission: supporting the next generation who have the will to dance.
William Stout
Founder, The Will to Dance
My name is William Stout. I'm currently a pre-professional ballet dancer in NYC and a Film & Business Major at Columbia University.
My journey began in the third grade in Seattle, WA, when I discovered dance through Pacific Northwest Ballet's outreach program, DanceChance. What began as an unexpected opportunity soon became an important calling—one that has taken me across the country and around the world. Along the way, I’ve been deeply grateful for the chance to train at some of the most prestigious institutions, including the San Francisco Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School in London, the School of American Ballet in New York, Boston Ballet School, and Accademia alla Scala in Milan, with each experience shaping my growth as both an artist and an individual.
My path hasn’t been without challenges. As a young male dancer, I faced doubts, stereotypes, and barriers that often discourage boys from pursuing ballet. Instead of turning away, I chose to turn those challenges into fuel.
In 2024, at age 16, I founded The Will to Dance with a vision: to inspire, uplift, and open doors for the next generation of dancers.