Donation to ballet school stage annual showcase
17 June 2024
Ballet dancers were leaping with delight after receiving a donation from Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme.
The members of the Gail Burgess Ballet School were awarded a £1,000 grant from the five-star housebuilder to support them with their annual show, that allows them to perform in front of a live audience and share the skills they have hones over the past year.
Gail Burgess runs classes in March and Somersham, offering children from the age of three the opportunity to learn the art of ballet.
She said: “The summer show gives the dancers something to work towards and is a highlight of the year for us all, but without support like this very generous donation from Persimmon Homes we would not be able to stage this showcase.
“We are incredibly grateful for the funding and will use it to buy new costumes that will be used this year and in years to come, to ensure everyone has access to dancing without financial barriers.”
Amy Rowlands, Sales Director of Persimmon Homes East Midlands handed over the cheque at the Abbot Walk development in Chatteris. She said: “Girls so often drop out of sport at a certain age but Gail works with them to encourage them to continue dancing, and that has such a positive impact on their lives. It teaches them discipline and shows children that if you work hard you will see the rewards.
“We are delighted to be able to support the summer show and know we are helping create a lasting legacy here in the Peterborough and the surrounding communities.”
Steve Barclay, Parliamentary candidate for Cambridge North East, had highlighted the funding opportunity to the dance school after hearing of their mission to buy new costumes.
He said: “The Gail Burgess School of Ballet is a fantastic local dance group so I was delighted to recommend them to the Persimmon Community Champion’s fund which provides community grants. Sales Director Amy Rowlands presented a cheque for £1,000 to Gail which will be a great help towards buying new dance costumes for the end of year show at the Neale Wade.”
