Emily Simpson - Training in Pittsburgh
Emily has received another part scholarship to receive a second year of training at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Pennsylvania, USA! This is the official training school for the internationally-recognised Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company.
She was one of only two first year students chosen to perform in the Company's recent performance of Don Quixote, asked to lead the corps de ballet in the performance of Swan Lake, and chosen to stand in as substitute for key company roles. In the Spring school performance, she was chosen to perform a solo variation and pas de troix, so Emily has definitely received a huge amount of favour from the teachers and directors over this past year.
It has been made clear to Emily by the artistic and other directors that she is well suited to the company in looks and style. However, the company does not employ first year students! Keen to keep Emily on, the school have offered her a part scholarship for another year of training, and we very much hope that after that she will be offered a place in the company.
The tuition fees for the year at PBT are very reasonable, especially with the scholarship - £2,250 for the whole year! However, we must pay for accommodation for Emily this year. The rent is very good value at just over £200 per month for a small house shared with other Christian ballet dancers not far from the school. This living environment gives Emily the support and encouragement she needs. We have added on £1000 to be raised to help cover some of the rent. Michelle is doing some part-time work also to try to help cover that cost.
Once again, we are putting our trust and faith in God to make a way!
Please would you sponsor Emily for this year? Please would you support her in prayer for the funding to be provided and for favour? We really believe God will complete what He has begun!
Thank you so much!
Michelle x
Photo: Emily at the front of the corps de ballet in La Bayadere
