Aspiring ballerina Eve Still

My name is Eve Still, I am 16 years old and my ambition is to become a professional ballerina. I have been awarded a place at the Central School of Ballet in London to study a Professional Dance and Performance Foundation Degree. I am over the moon that I have achieved a highly coveted place at one of the leading UK Ballet Schools.

I have obtained a student and maintenance loan that will cover the cost of my tuition and accommodation. There is, however, a substantial sum that is not covered by these loans which includes food and travel expenses, health insurance, or items such as ballet shoes and uniform. I am from a low income, single parent family. Without additional funding I would be unable to meet these additional costs.

My Story

Amazingly I began my ballet journey in October 2019 when I attended a local ballet class (The Jane Coleman School of Dance). I automatically fell completely in love with ballet. As soon as I started to dance, it lit a spark within me. From that day I have put every spare moment into learning the art of classical ballet. I knew that I had found my dream and felt sure I would become a professional dancer.

Then the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic hit and the new normal meant training in my living room on a 5ft x 5ft square Harlequin floor. Adapting to my new environment, I decided to make the most of this time. I worked on my technique and caught up on the basics. The lockdown allowed me to focus on my ballet every waking moment.

I gained so much strength through taking Zoom ballet classes and attending a 3 week Royal School of Ballet Summer Intensive online course. The majority of my summer was spent in my living room following ballet classes on YouTube. This meant many people from my village would see me through the window, always practicing and wave to me. Word got out in the village that there was a ballerina in the making and this opened up new opportunities. I was offered tickets by a local resident to see Wingspan. Through this I met Lynne Page (Choreographer for the Royal Ballet Company) who watched me do a barre class with them. Lynne was so impressed that she encouraged me to apply for vocational training.

October 2020 my ballet teacher Tamara Moubayed (Southborough Ballet School) entered me into the Orpington Festival. Here, I gained 1st place for my Classical Ballet Solo en pointe.

Since then, I have recently gained 1st place at the Tonbridge Festival for “Character Solo” performing Juliet takes the potion. And 1st place for the Classical Ballet Solo en pointe.

Tamara also encouraged me to audition for the Elite Ballet Project. I successfully gained a full scholarship providing such amazing tuition from world renowned dancers and choreographers.

I do hope that you would kindly consider assisting me to achieve my potential.

Thank you in anticipation.

EVE