FEATURED DANCER

Tell us a little about yourself -

I am a South African, but immigrated to the U.K. seven years ago. I am a qualified make up artist but currently work as a bankruptcy administrator. I currently have a dance blog that I love so much, all self taught and on a financial budget, I'm so proud of it I feel like it's my baby! I'm hoping to add to my blog a website and a online shop. I have always wanted to be a ballerina, ever since I can remember. I went to a private school that encouraged participation in creative arts and various competitions so I was thankful to always be surrounded by dance. My mom was a single parent so we struggled financially and ballet class wasn't a possibility. I started taking ballet classes at 21 here in the U.K. it was one of the best feelings in the world - finally starting that dream.

On and off for seven years, I have been out of dance for around two years due to health issues. I'm looking to start classes again next month!

What styles of dance do you specialize in?

 I love classical ballet! I would like to take some classes in Lyrical, Contemporary and Ballroom as soon as I am able to.

I have always had this passion for dance,mainly ballet and it's one of those unexplainable things in life, I just knew I was born to be a dancer and if I never did it I would be unfulfilled.

My biggest accomplishment has to be two things, passing my Grade 2 BTDA (British Theatre Dance Association) Classical Ballet exam with a really good mark and the day I got my first pair of pointe shoes, it was on my birthday, 5 years ago.

Most memorable moment would again have to be two events, trying on my first tutu in that first year of starting ballet classes, it was my dance teacher's personal tutu and the most exquisite black one, I immediately felt like the worlds most beautiful and talented prima ballerina. The other memorable moment would be the time I did a piece from Swan Lake for my dance school's showcase. It's my favorite ballet and I will never forget the moment I stood ready and waiting in the wings to go out on stage and dance.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been allowing myself grace and forgiveness for deciding to step out of ballet class while I was my sickest. It wasn't easy and I beat myself up terribly as I felt I was loosing precious time (I already started ballet as an adult) but the thing I have learnt is that as an adult ballerina or adult dancer our inspirational stories are continuous not just one isolated event. So my whole story exactly as it is, is vital and important for inspiring even just one life in the future.

I wouldn't want to say something cheesy or repeat a cliche but never give up! As a child I remember sitting by my Grandmother crying because I wanted to go to ballet classes so badly as a relative was doing them and was doing so well, but knew I couldn't and my Gran hugged me and told me that one day I would fulfill that dream.

That tenacity and perseverance helped me focus on building up my blog when I was sick and it kept me submerged in the world of dance and ballet when I really needed it.

Don't ever give up, look around there is always someone willing to encourage you and if you can't find that person I will be her!

For more from Kayleigh

https://www.instagram.com/todancewithgrace/

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