Support My Ballet Intensive at Vaganova Academy’s RMB Camp

My name is Sascha and I am writing to reach those who would like to support me on the next stage of my journey dedicated to the art and beauty of ballet and to overcome the financial limits that stand in the way.

In January of this year, I auditioned for Russian Masters Ballet’s summer intensive — the official summer programme of the renowned Vaganova Academy, one of the most prestigious ballet academies of the world, held this year in Alicante, Spain — and was accepted with a 25% scholarship.

I am beyond thankful to be granted such a unique opportunity to train with some of the most knowledgeable teachers in the world. I have always thrived on challenge and aspired to be trained by teachers with the highest standards, and this opportunity opens the doors to fulfil this desire. It will be an immersive and invaluable training and performance experience as well as my first international intensive. The only thing holding me back is the many expenses involved to be there.

My journey with ballet has not come easy and has involved many sacrifices to stay on course. My single-parent mother has supported me tirelessly, forfeiting our family holidays for many years to fund my ballet training, but as the ballet path extends, the more financially demanding it becomes and now it has gone beyond her capabilities. Yet, despite the constant strain, we have never wanted to give up the beauty of the art form and remained determined to continue.

Ballet itself is already an incredibly demanding artistic sport and requires the utmost dedication and passion from its dancers, so the added strain of financial limitation makes the elite sport almost impossible to achieve. To be accepted into such a prestigious programme is a rare opportunity and to lose it would cause immense regret, not just for myself but also for my mother who has sacrificed so much to get me to this point.

Last year, I was similarly offered a place at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s summer intensive in Moscow but had to let the opportunity go precisely because of a lack of funds. We do not want this disappointment to happen again.

Now that I am 18 years old, it is becoming more essential for me not to lose another moment and we know this is a crucial turning point.

For the moment, my mother has borrowed on a credit card to pay for two weeks of the programme’s tuition (675€ with the 25% scholarship applied) but we have yet to pay for the following:

— — TOTAL = £1,810

First goal to reach by the end of May = £2,000 (ACHIEVED)

(Includes GoFundMe fees, currency exchange and int. transfer)

In the case that I achieve this first goal in sufficient time, we are leaving room for a greater goal to extend the two-week programme to three weeks and maximise the intense training to overall improve my prospects. Three weeks at the programme will increase the chances for my greater improvement, further scholarship offers for future RMB intensives and to be recognised by a director of a professional school. The difference in price between the intensives is the following:

— — TOTAL = £630

Second goal to reach by the 22nd of June = £2,690

(Includes GoFundMe fees, currency exchange and int. transfer)

I am very much hoping to also return the money my mother has borrowed for the two-week tuition (675€) so that she is able to come for the last weekend (3 nights) of the programme and watch my Final Gala and Stars Gala. I know that to perform without her present, after all the effort to get me there, will simply not feel the same, something would be missing. If she is able to go, she will also attend a personal talk with my teacher who will advise her of their recommendations for my future.

Third goal = £3,300

(Includes GoFundMe fees, currency exchange and int. transfer)

Please note that if my mother can see me perform, we shall be profoundly grateful, but should the fundraiser goes above the second goal and not quite make it to the third, we will invest it into further ballet coaching.

I would like to give thanks to my London teacher, Isabella McGuire Mayes, and my online teacher, Olga Pavlova (whom I will hopefully meet in person this summer!).

Thank you for taking the time to read my appeal. I will endeavour to give updates on the progress of this fundraiser and I intend to make an account of my time at the summer programme for supporters to follow.

We thank you in advance for all your support.

In anticipation,

Sascha Rose