Keep Frankie Dancing – Help Him Stay at Ballet School

Hi, my name is Frankie Keita, I’m 12 years old, and I live in Corby in Northamptonshire. I’ve loved ballet since I was six, when a dance teacher saw me jumping around outside a village hall and invited me to try a class. I’ve been dancing ever since.

I’m incredibly proud to say that I’m now a full-time student at The Royal Ballet School — a dream that came true last year after years of hard work and incredible support from family, friends, and my local community.

In my first year at the school, I’ve performed, trained, and learned alongside some of the UK’s most dedicated young dancers. I’ve also performed for the Royal Family at Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey, and had my choreography chosen for the Ursula Moreton Emerging Choreographer Competition.

Now, I need your help to stay at the school for my second year.

This is the grown-up bit written by my mum:

Frankie’s training costs £38,100 per year, plus VAT — a huge amount for any family.

He receives around some funding through the government’s Music and Dance Scheme (MDS), which is a lifeline. But the remaining balance — which will be over £20,000 each year — must be covered by me, on my own.

I’m a single parent working full-time as a senior manager for a mental health charity, and I’m also supporting Frankie’s older sibling through university. I’ve already stretched every penny to help get him through his first year, but with rising costs and the introduction of VAT on school fees, I now need support to help Frankie stay where he belongs — dancing.

Back to me again!

Ballet is everything to me — it’s how I express myself, push myself, and dream big. I work really hard every day and feel so lucky to be doing what I love at such an amazing school.

If you’re able to help in any way — whether that’s by donating, sharing this page, or telling someone who might want to help — I would be so, so grateful.

Thank you for reading,

Frankie (and Lindsey, my mum!)