FOUR siblings who moved across the world to follow their ballroom dancing dream in Dorset have been helped with grants from Dorset Community Foundation’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund for Young & Talented.
Logan Taylor, 16, and Ethan, 15, Gisel, 14, Ohara, 13 and dad James moved from Melbourne, Australia, to Boscombe so they could study at the renowned Nice n Easy dance studios and compete at a higher level in UK competitions.
Having to fund two homes as well as pay for lessons, costumes, travel and entry fees has taken a huge financial toll on the family so they applied to the fund, which is supported by Dorset Lord-Lieutenant Michael Dooley and Wimborne engineering company Superior Seals, and awards grants of up to £1,000 towards costs that might prevent gifted youngsters from making the most of their natural ability.
Each of the four young dancers were awarded £381, which, said Logan, will make a huge difference to their development. “We’re just all super grateful for the grants,” he said. “We were struggling a little with bills like electricity and food and it has been tough. “The grants will help because we can use it instead of spending all our money on lessons and competitions.”
Ethan added: “Logan and I have had 50 per cent sponsorship for new tuxes so this money will help pay towards that. Without it we wouldn’t have new suits and shoes, which are really important.”
The two boys first began ballroom dancing in Australia aged around eight, joined a few years later by their sisters. Logan was initially paired with Gisel and Ethan with Ohara but their mum Shoba swapped them round as they began to develop so now Logan and Ohara compete at Under 19 level and Ethan and Gisel dance in the juniors.
The siblings, who dream of turning professional one day, progressed quickly but cast envious eyes at UK dancers and the multitude of opportunities in highly competitive events across Europe. “They were very serious about improving but they realised they’d have to compete outside Australia if they wanted to really do so,” said James.
They scraped together the money to travel to the Blackpool Junior Festival for a competition last year and quickly became aware how far behind they were. “Pretty much as soon as we did it, we thought ‘wow, we have to be here to be at this level’,” said Logan. “Everyone around us was at a higher level and competing with them lifted us.”
Back in Australia they researched dance schools and identified Nice n Easy as the ideal location. “All of us individually talked to mum about moving to the UK,” said Logan. “She asked if we were serious about dancing and we all said yes.”
Ethan added: “It all happened really fast. One day we were talking about going and the next minute we had the tickets.”
Logan said adapting to their new home in Dorset has been easier than expected. “Boscombe is not that different to Melbourne really,” he said. “In Australia, pretty much everywhere you are there’s beach so it’s quite similar and the people are really friendly.”
We were at a point of wondering whether we carry on or not so the money came at the perfect time
The family rent a house close to the studio so the siblings can take lessons and practice almost every day, often most of the day. They are continuing their studies in Australia online.
The biggest benefit is competing with dancers they had previously only watched on a screen. “When we go to places like Blackpool to compete I sometimes think it was only a year ago that I was watching these people on a YouTube video and now we’re with them,” said Gisel. “And it’s fun to see ourselves on YouTube as well.”
The move is already showing signs of paying off with regular appearances in finals and semi-finals. Logan and Ohara narrowly missed a semi-final place by just one mark at the Open Worlds in Blackpool recently. “For me that was a moment when I thought coming here was really worth it,” said Ohara.
Their dad says the grants will help the siblings reach a higher level as they continue to develop. “England’s been good for them as a group and although they’ve really sacrificed a lot, they’re developing fantastically,” said James. “We are so appreciative of this support because they’re all so competitive and they all strive for the little things that will make them better,” said James.
“We were at a point of wondering whether we carry on or not so the money came at the perfect time. Without it we wouldn’t be able to do this and it has taken away a worry that would have stopped Logan, Ohara, Ethan and Gisel from focusing on their dancing.”
