Young ballet star en pointe with Bernicia backing

A national ballet champion is pirouetting her way to success at a world-recognised dance institution with housing association support.

Freya Burdon-Watson has been backed by £1000 from The Bernicia Foundation’s Inspiration Grant to attend London’s Central School of Ballet.

The cash – delivered through North East housing association Bernicia – is helping fund 18-year-old Freya’s living and transport costs, as well as medical insurance, uniforms, pointe shoes and tutu skirts.

A former British ballet champion and three-time English Championship finalist, Freya was one of 43 students chosen from 500 national and international candidates to attend Central School of Ballet, and the only female from the North East in this year’s intake.

Freya, who hails from Newcastle, said: “I’ve just completed a hugely intensive third term and went through many pairs of pointe shoes.

“I’m so grateful to The Bernicia Foundation for helping to cover the rising costs of my shoes.”

Nikola, Freya’s mum, added: “We couldn’t be more proud of her.

“The funding allowed Freya to travel from London, making visits less stressful financially for us, which has been a huge help.”

The Bernicia Foundation is a charitable trust founded by housing association Bernicia to support local people in communities across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside.

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