Allegra's Ballet Journey at English National Ballet School

I am writing to you as the mother of 16 year old Melbourne ballet dancer Allegra Stefanska, who has been invited to join the renowned English National Ballet School this year in London. This is a three year full time program.

Due to funding cuts and the increasingly competitive nature of grants, the school's recent attempt to secure a substantial grant—partly designated to fund a tuition scholarship for Allegra—was, unfortunately, unsuccessful. This puts us in a challenging position with very little time left to raise the necessary funds for her tuition. We must move swiftly to explore alternative solutions, which is why we are reaching out to you.

Allegra has been handpicked by the incoming Artistic Director, Lynne Charles, as the first to embody her new vision for the school. She stands out as the sole Australian and the only one among her contemporaries in this prestigious position.

She has such dedication and sacrificed so much to become a graceful, artistic storyteller. Many of her teachers here and abroad have said, she has that something you can’t teach, she draws you in and truly connects emotionally with audiences.

Through her sheer hard work and dedication, Allegra earned an audition and has now been offered a place at the school. We are thrilled for her and urgently need the necessary funds to help her seize this incredible opportunity. Supporting Allegra will not only empower a promising young woman but also nurture one of the most exciting emerging ballet talents in the UK and Australia.

There is little time to secure the necessary funds covering tuition ($45,000) and then was are faced with additional accommodation ($30,000), flights, school medical insurance and the weekly pointe shoes ($20,000). This is per annum for 3 years. The English National Ballet School has experience and expertise collaborating with sponsors should you wish to speak with them.

Our family has already raised the tuition deposit ($5000), down payment on student accommodation ($5000) and the student visa and immigration health insurance ($6500). We are selling our piano, a violin and Allegra’s little sister, Juliette, is also contributing her savings to go towards flights. I hope you might be able to support us and share this letter with others in your networks. Your impact will resonate across individual, community, and cultural arenas.

Imagine your granddaughter or daughter, who has shown unwavering grit, work ethic and determination in her art form, standing on the cusp of transforming her life and creating positive ripple effects throughout the community. The only thing holding her back is the investment needed for her future.

Join us on this journey, as your support makes it all possible. Our financial reality is we really cannot take up this position for Allegra without generous philanthropic support.

more details of enbs found:

www.enbschool.org.uk