Hi, I’m Delphine Glassey, a contemporary dancer from Newcastle upon Tyne, and I’ve just been accepted into the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (SEAD) — one of Europe’s leading and most competitive contemporary dance schools.

Each year, only 25 dancers worldwide are selected for this programme. After three years of auditioning across the UK and Europe — and many rejections along the way — I’m beyond proud (and honestly still a little in disbelief!) to have finally been offered a place. This opportunity means everything to me.

Growing up in the North East, opportunities like this have often felt far away — but I’m honoured to be representing my hometown on an international stage, surrounded by dancers who share the same passion, discipline, and belief in dance as a tool for connection and positive change.

Why I Need Your Help:

Because SEAD is based in Austria, and the course is outside the UK, I’m not eligible for Student Finance England or a maintenance loan. That means I need to self-fund 100% of my tuition and living costs.

I’ll be working all summer and saving everything I can, and my parents are supporting me too — but the costs are still far beyond what I can manage alone.

Breakdown of My Year 1 Costs:

• Tuition: €4,500

• Administration Fee: €3,000

• Rent & Bills (estimated): €5,195

(This does not include food, travel, or other living expenses)

How You Can Help!

I’m reaching out to ask for support — any donation, no matter the size, will help me make this dream a reality. Every pound raised will go directly toward covering my essential costs to begin training in Salzburg this autumn.

Every bit of support means the world — not just financially, but as encouragement to keep going and growing!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, sharing, and supporting. I can’t wait to take this next step — and carry the North East with me every step of the way.

With love and gratitude,

Delphine <3

Photo credits - Peter Huggins MBE