Dancing queen Kerri following in footsteps of big brother

Jul 6 2012 by Jackie Grant, Dumfries Standard Friday

A DUMFRIES youngster is praying that her dream of dancing her way to the big time is about to become a reality.

All that stands between Kerri Canham and a place at one of Britain’s most sought-after dance schools is £30,000.

But the determined 13-year-old isn’t going to let something like that stand in her way of success and she’s making an appeal to Standard readers to help her in her quest to become a star.

Currently a pupil at Dumfries Academy, Kerri will be following in the footsteps of big brother Kyle when she starts at The Hammond School of Dance in Chester this September.

Kyle, now 15, won a prestigious scholarship to the school three years ago.

At the time, mum Jenni and dad Peter faced a funding battle to meet the £7,000 per term fees.

However, the former Troqueer Primary School pupil impressed the school so much that he was offered a scholarship.

And now Kerri is the latest member of the talented family to be given the chance to shine.

Jenni, aged 48, said: “Kyle had always wanted to be a dancer even though a lot of children at his school couldn’t understand why a boy would want to do that.

“The improvement in his ability since he went to The Hammond has been astonishing, thanks to the professional dance lessons he’s having every day.

“We see him on the odd weekend and on holidays and, although we miss him, this is what he wants to do with his life.”

Jenni was thrilled when Kerri was also accepted for a place at the school after an audition in May.

Despite the school agreeing to give her a bursary, Kerri and her family will need to stump up the £10,000-a-year fees for the next three years.

Jenni added: “It’s very expensive and I can’t work because my eldest daughter is disabled and she needs full-time care.

“I would be devastated if Kerri missed out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so we need to try and find the money from somewhere so that she can live her dream.”

“I’m extremely proud of Kyle and Kerri and the sacrifices they’ve made for being so young.

“We would be thrilled if Kerri received any funding help.”

Jenni can be contacted on 07581395744.