Help Tessa compete in Hong Kong and summer school in London!

Tessa (aged 14) is seeking support to attend the Asian Grand Prix finals in Hong Kong, and the English National Ballet summer school in London.

Although Tessa started dancing ballet at the relatively late age of 9, she was almost immediately accepted into the Scholars programme at the New Zealand School of Dance. She is now both a Scholar and Associate with NZSD. Last year, Tessa was thrilled to:

* Win the junior division of the South Islands ballet competition (her Neo was choreographed by her wonderful teacher, Anne Anderson)

* Awarded the Professional Development Award at the International Ballet Workshop in Auckland

* Awarded a scholarship with the Bolshoi Ballet at the Youth America Grand Prix regionals in Melbourne

* Offered a place in the summer school of the English National Ballet in London, by video audition

* Awarded a return scholarship at the New Zealand School of Dance winter school

* Granted a scholarship to attend the Chilton Ballet Academy, where she loves learning under Ms Bronwyn Bennett and her team.

This year, Tessa was thrilled to be awarded a place in the Mentor programme of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. She was one of eleven dancers chosen for this honour. At the Asian Grand Prix regionals in Auckland in late February, Tessa was one of four dancers selected for a full scholarship to the Asian Grand Prix finals intensive. One of the largest international ballet competitions in the world, the Asian Grand Prix finals intensive takes place in Hong Kong over two weeks in August.

Tessa’s dream is to dance in an internationally renowned company, such as the Royal New Zealand Ballet. This international experience in London and Hong Kong will help Tessa be accepted into a full time ballet programme at the age of 16, then eventually dance in a ballet company. It will give Tessa the opportunity to train alongside dancers from all over the world, and learn from highly skilled teachers.

This London summer school and Hong Kong competition will cost a minimum of $10,000, and Tessa would greatly appreciate your support. While Tessa won a full scholarship to the Asian Grand Prix which covers tuition fees, she is seeking funding for flights, accommodation, local transport in London and Hong Kong, tuition for the English National Ballet summer school, etc. We are organising some sausage sizzles and movie night to raise funds, and Tessa has applied for a part time job doing a paper route, and will try to teach some younger ballet dancers.