Young Tassie ballerina calls for community support to make her dreams come true

A talented young ballerina from Tasmania is about to jet off on a life-changing journey after being accepted into a prestigious international school - but she needs the community’s help to get there. HER STORY >>

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A talented young ballerina from Tasmania is about to jet off on a life-changing journey after being accepted into a prestigious international school.

Ella Willans, 16, was just two days into a short-term scholarship at the Netherland’s European School of Ballet last year when the Covid pandemic cut her trip short.

“It was heartbreaking,” mum Shay Wookey said.

“She had spent the whole summer raising money by herself to get there and then she was forced to come home,”

Ballerina Ella Willans.

But last week, the teenager was given a second shot at her dream after she was officially accepted into the school while training in Western Australia.

“It doesn’t feel real, I’ve always wanted this and now it’s finally happening,” Ella said.

Although the teen’s wish of becoming a professional ballerina is close, she is in dire need of funds to make the trip possible. Due to Covid no scholarships or grants are up for grabs.

“We need to raise $20,000 by the end of August and another $20,000 by the end of March next year,” said Ms Wookey.

Ballerina Ella Willans.

“Ella’s busked, set up a lemonade stall and is offering to do deeds for people in the community, I’ve even considered selling our house to fund the trip.”

You can help make the young ballerina’s dream a reality by donating at gofund.me/dcf49f74.

Follow @Chelsea Cosgrave