Support Chelsea

My name is Chelsea Brewer and I am 17 years old. In 2014 I trained full time at Southern Ballet School and Theatre where I study various styles of dance including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Lyrical. I started dancing at the age of 7 and ever since I have always dreamed of being a professional dancer.

Despite having to move to four different schools due to the two Christchurch earthquakes and losing both my dance schools in the quakes, I was still able to gain Excellence endorsement in both Level 1 & 2 NCEA and continue my dance training. This year, with parental consent I decided to leave Lincoln high school to train full time in order to pursue a career in dance. On top of this another challenge I had to overcome was being diagnosed with an ostrigonum syndrome in my left foot as well as a Ganglion cyst which both required surgery and ongoing physiotherapy. I was determined that despite the pain and difficulties this presented I wouldn't let it stop me in my pursuit of becoming a professional dancer.

In September 2014 I auditioned for Sydney Dance company Pre-Professional year 2015. I have always aspired to be a part of the Sydney Dance Company. This is due to them being a world renowned company full of very highly trained professional Contemporary dancers. Out of the hundreds of applicants who applied for the audition only 100 people were invited to attend.

Out of all those who auditioned I was lucky enough to be one of 26 accepted to join the Sydney Dance company Pre Professional year for 2015. But as I will be an international student I will not be eligible for any student funding in Australia. My mother has always covered my dance costs but these expenses excel our financial ability. Therefore I am seeking donations (big or small) to help to cover the costs of the fees , accommodation/living costs for this year.

I am extremely appreciative to anyone who can help support me in achieving my dream of becoming a professional contemporary dancer. With the skills and knowledge I obtain, I am hoping to bring this back to New Zealand one day and pass my knowledge on to other young people who are seeking similar goals.