Errin Whalley Raising Fees for Ballet Training

Aim

I am Crowdfunding my Ballet West fees because a SAAS mix up has left me no other option. I am looking to raise over £8500 for Ballet Fee.

At the start of my second year at Ballet West, Scotland I was celebrating. Not only had I covered all my out-standing fees through crowdfunding and sponsorship, I had confirmation that The Students Awards Agency of Scotland (SAAS) had awarded me the full fees of £9000. Now I could relax and enjoy my second year and was looking ahead with excitement at my eventual projects in my third. Unfortunately just before Christmas, and well into my second year, this funding decision was reversed. SAAS had decided that, although the BA (Hons) ballet course is a franchise of Bath Spa University, and applied for through UCAS, it is provided within a private institution in Scotland. They said that that the award of £9000 was a mistake and are now giving just £1205 towards my fees. This is a real shock and a complete mess on the behalf of SAAS, as five other students are also in the same position. I feel annoyed, angry, frustrated and very stressed. It is ridiculous that they’ve suddenly shoved Ballet West Scottish students into this situation without warning (English and Welsh students can apply for student loans for the fees but not Scottish.)  I am now looking for both sponsorship and crowdfunding as I have no other means to pay and really hope you all can help me.

I am doing really well in my ballet degree, especially in choreography and performance.  I also like becoming many characters and using this in contemporary, along with live music, which I have composed. I really want to complete my three years at Ballet West, exploring who I am as a dance creator and performer. I am asking once again if you can help, however small.

 I started ballet at three years old when I saw a production of the Nutcracker.  Growing up I had the amazing opportunity to dance in many classical ballets, with English Youth Ballet and as an Associate of Ballet West, before going to full-time vocational Ballet School in Sep 2018.  These classical ballets include: Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppélia, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and Cinderella in Hollywood.  I have also danced in contemporary projects with Scottish Ballet, Y Dance, Rambert and in Akram Khan’s Kadamati, a spectacular outdoor performance for the Edinburgh International Festival, in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I attended amazing pre - vocational ballet schools and had incredible teachers including: Laura Sandham School of Dance; Emma Gray - Birnam Arts Ballet School; Julie Young Dance Studios, Sarah Hughes Peachey -Starting Pointe Ballet, Cumbernauld; Vincent Hantam at Scottish Ballet drop in classes, Sara-Maria Barton – Ballet West Associates, Inspire Master Classes and private lessons; and also Kelly – Marie Shields.                                                                                                        

 I have fought to overcome long term health issues including MPHD - a growth disorder, severe allergies to sesame seeds, eggs, milk and all dairy, and sensory issues towards food. I spent a great deal of my childhood in hospital and still do have to attend from time to time.  MPHD means that I have weaker muscles so  work extra hard to build strength to hold and support my flexibility.  I also have a leg length discrepancy so my shoes are either adapted or I wear a shoe lift. Despite all this I am really determined to have a flourishing dance career and am excited to where this leads me in the future

Thank you all so much for all your support, you can keep up with all my antics on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNhA57HBeCvas8pn9lMcAw, my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ErrinGodwinWhalleyDancer/  and if you like Cosplay TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdyballerina

I do give out gifts to the largest donation – last year was a beaded pointe shoe.  I have also given out postcards and other small gifts. I try and keep everyone up-to-date but as the course is intense and there are also rehearsals I apologies for not always doing this.  The Ballet West tour of Swan Lake this year starts at the end of January. Please see link for tickets and venues https://www.balletwest.co.uk/upcoming-tour

Photographers: Alastair Bocker photography; Ryan James Davies; Barry Spence

This project successfully funded on 6th March 2020