Dancing towards my dreams at Trinity Laban

Hi, my name is Emma (she/her). I am a dancer from Japan and I have just been accepted into my dream school – Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – to study for a BA in Contemporary Dance.

This opportunity means the world to me. It’s a chance to finally train professionally in something that has been a part of me since I was four years old. Dance has always been where I feel most myself - where I’ve found joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging. After years of growing, training and finding my way back to it, I have now been given a chance to follow the dream that never left me.

But dreams come with a price tag.

I am currently working three jobs to make this dream a reality – Deputy Artist for the Partner Schools programme at The Place; children's dance teacher and assistant in various settings; and cocktail bartender. This is a reflection of how committed I am to my craft and to building a future in dance. However, once the course begins, the intensity of full-time training will require all of my attention. I need to focus entirely on my development to be able to grow as an artist and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even so, I am still planning on continuing to work as much as possible alongside my degree to support myself, pay rent, and cover tuition fees - on top of the rising costs of living in London. Despite budgeting carefully and applying for all available funding, the financial gap remains daunting.

That’s where you come in.

Your support, no matter the size, would help me stay in school and fully commit to reaching my full potential as a dance artist. Every donation goes towards making this dream sustainable and achievable for me.

If you can donate: thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can share this fundraiser: I am just as grateful.

This isn’t just about me – it’s about creating a future where more people, regardless of their circumstances, have the chance to pursue their artistic passions. I hope that one day I can help make these opportunities accessible to others too.

Let’s dance this dream into reality, together.