Help Winnie To Achieve Her Dreams

I'm Winnie's Auntie Katie, and I'm fundraising for Winnie to be able to attend Ballet School. A few weeks ago, Winnie's world came crashing down overnight after losing her fourth-year place at her current world-renowned ballet school in such a brutal way that has left her heartbroken.

 

Winnie is not only the most determined and passionate ballet dancer that you will ever meet, but she is also the most "happy go lucky" girl who lights up a room when she walks in. She always had an infectious zest for life, and I'm on a mission to bring her sparkle back and help her to achieve her dreams.  

Winnie set her heart and soul into becoming a ballet dancer aged five. Growing up in a tomboy household in Liverpool surrounded by engineering workshops, Winne self-taught and learnt to balance with poise on pieces of wood floating in muddy puddles! After learning that this wasn't just a phase, my Brother Ian and Sister in Law Lyndsey saved up for ballet lessons, and Winnie went on to shine with talent and technique that her early ballet teacher had never witnessed before.

 

I would always walk into my family home to witness Winnie's dance training; from morning until night, she would never stop, with such passion and determination that was so joyous to see. She had found her calling in life at such an early age.

 

As a result of the years of personal hard work, blood, sweat and tears, at age 11, Winnie was one of the lucky few dancers internationally to be offered a place at the top ballet school in London. The cost was astronomically expensive, but luckily a scholarship grant was in place for those without the sheer funds.

 

Winnie had outstanding reports and continued with grit and dedication throughout the challenging pandemic. Then, out of the blue, this year, new rules have suddenly resulted in Winnie (along with more than 50% of her year) being pushed out - for no apparent reason other than not being part of "the future plan", all very questionable. An investigation has been subsequently launched, which is saddening, and it breaks my heart that this has happened to her and my family.

 

After looking at all options for Winnie to continue her journey, she has been offered a place at a small yet outstanding ballet school with a nurturing approach. Winnie came out from meeting them with a twinkle back in her eye, and, in their words, they would be "delighted to welcome her with open arms". They love her, and she loves it there.

 

The snag is that only three elite ballet schools have the funding grant access, this one not included. So, with the high fees per year, accommodation costs, plus the upfront annual fees required for the new academic year, Ian and Lyndsey are now under substantial financial pressure. I am doing everything I can to raise funds whilst exploring sponsorship options. Please let me know if you have any connections in funding for dance and the arts.

 

No matter how small, any donation will go a long way to help Winnie to get back to doing what she loves. I will set up a private profile so you can follow Winnie's journey from here, including info on her future shows.

 

Together, you can help us get Winnie back in the direction of her lifelong dreams.