Help talented teen’s dream come true

I know this is a massive amount but I have to try and let Liv carry out her dream.

She’s been performing since she was three but Poole’s Liv Colbert’s life-long dream of making it big has hit a major hurdle – the 18 year-old needs to raise £63,000 before she can accept an opportunity of a life time.

Liv is just one of a chosen few to be offered a place at one of the top performing colleges in the UK, Laine Theare Arts, whose famous alumni includes Victoria Beckham.

She was offered a spot after auditioning on her 18th birthday but last week she got the news she had dreaded – she did not qualify for funding towards the three-year course which costs over £60,000.

Her mum Helen, a primary school teacher, says the prospect of finding that money herself is impossible.

And tragedy has also hit Liv’s family as her dad Scott, has terminal cancer and not only has no means of financially supporting her but also might not live to see his daughter fulfil her dreams.

Liv, who has trained at Poole’s Steppin’ Out Academy of Performance since she was a tiny tot, said: “Going to Laine Theatre Arts has been my dream for such a long time. All I’ve ever wanted is to sing, dance and act on a West End stage and Laine has the most amazing track record in that area “To go from the high of being offered a place, which was the best 18th birthday present ever, to then get that snatched away from me – I was devastated.

“My family have supported me for so many years to help get me to the stage where I can be accepted at one of the best performance colleges in the UK but this final hurdle is just impossible for them.

“I’m hoping I can appeal to local businesses that would like to sponsor me and help make my dream come true.”

Liv started ballet at Steppin’ Out in 2009 and over the years she progressed into other dance genres, including tap, jazz, modern and acrobatic arts.

The youngster soon showed a real talent and was chosen to be part of the academy’s elite team, winning many awards at a national level.

As well as being an award-wining dancer, Liv has an incredible singing voice and acting talent, and this triple threat enabled her to join Bournemouth’s LeAF Academy, specialising in performing arts.

With Steppin’ Out she’s also competed at international level, representing Team England at the Dance World Cup, and in 2022 she had her first professional contract as part of the Lighthouse Poole production of Cinderella.

Angela Taylor, her principal and teacher at Steppin’ Out for 15 years, said: “Liv has a very special talent and has all the ingredients needed to make it as a top West End star.

“I am so proud that she was accepted by Laine Theatre Arts, it is one of, if not the best, colleges for West End-standard training.

“I started Steppin’ Out more than 30 years ago because I wanted young people to discover a love for the performing arts and help make dreams come true.

“It’s such a tough business and it seems so unfair when very talented young people like Liv cannot make that final goal because of finances. I really hope someone can come forward and help Liv see her name in lights – she certainly has the talent to achieve that.”

Any businesses that would like to sponsor Liv can contact through here.