Melissa
Variety Future Kids Program
Over the past several years, Melissa has worked hard at her dream to become a ballerina. Variety have been there to provide much needed support every step of the way.
She began learning ballet at just three years of age and joined the Terry Charlesworth Professional Dance Program at age ten. During her senior education, Melissa was home schooled to enable her to train up to 30 hours per week, 6 days a week.
The cost of professional training was sometimes a strain for the single parent family, as Melissa’s father passed away from a brain tumour when she was just a baby. That was, until Variety stepped in to provide a Scholarship for ballet studies.
Melissa’s efforts paid off last year when she auditioned and was offered a place to study at the prestigious Princess Grace Acadmie de Danse Classique in Monaco.
“I want to extend a huge thank you for your support.
No words can describe my thanks and appreciation. You have taken so much financial pressure off my Mum who is always working hard and allowed me to take further steps towards my dream, to be a ballerina.
Your kindness has allowed me to continue with my dreams and aspirations, giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you! I hope to make you and my family proud”
Melissa Dougall, aged 18 years