The Chewstick Foundation’s Griot Sessions are not just about entertainment, they are also to help raise money for aspiring artists.Chewstick’s next Griot Session will assist 21-year-old dancer, Krystal Smith who has been accepted into the associates’ programme at Welsh Ballet in Wales. The programme is designed to complement existing training and give the opportunity to see what life as a professional dancer would be like.Associates have the chance work with professional dancers and directors, take classes in ballet technique and learn from guest teachers.Miss Smith will perform at the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge & Café next week.Proceeds raised will support costs associated with her participation in the associates’ programme.Rapper Makeem (Haz) Bartley from Mount Saint Agnes Academy will be the opening act. The 18-year-old will perform original lyrics. This Griot Session is part of a larger collaboration project spearheaded by charity, the Trust for All the Arts.That charity has collaborated with Chewstick Foundation and Premiertickets.bm in an effort to provide scholarships to young talent.Throughout the month of October, people wishing to donate to Miss Smith can do so via www.premiertickets.bm.The dancer has received scholarships from both the National Dance Foundation and the Bermuda Arts Council but still has a $2,000 shortfall that must be met in order for her to attend the programme in Wales.Miss Smith is also a member of the DADA Ensemble, an elite group of dancers chosen by American choreographer Debbie Allen and former Bolshoi Ballet principle Alla Khaniashvili.She anticipates returning to Bermuda to teach dance and to inspire young ballet dancers.All performances will be streamed live on the Chewstick website (www.chewstick.org) and stored in the Chewstick archives.Tickets to the October 14 session are $10. For more information call 292-2439 (CHEW), 535-2575 or e-mail info[AT]chewstick.org.The event will be held at the Chewstick Headquarters at 28 Elliot Street. Doors open at 7pm.