A talented teenage dancer has started fundraising in an effort to showcase her skills on the world stage.
Werribee 15 year old Mila Aziadou was recently selected to represent Australia at the Dance World Cup to be held in Prague in June.
But despite her selection and undoubted talent, the price tag of travelling across the globe to compete on the world stage remains a huge stumbling block for Mila and her mother Tania De Petro.
“It’s expensive,” said Ms De Petro
“She cannot go by herself. I need to go with her and the cost is $12,000.”
A gofundme page has been set up to raise money for mother and daughter to get to Prague, with $1000 already donated.
While Ms De Petro is hopeful of raising the $12,000 target by June, she said they were committed to going whether they reached it or not.
“If I cannot raise this money I will ask the bank to maybe make a loan.”
Sacrificing to fund her talented daughter’s hobby is something Ms De Petro is used to.
“I’m a single mum so I spend all my money for the dance. Competition, costume, private workshops.”
It’s a level of commitment matched by her daughter who practices five to six days a week, from 5pm in the afternoon until 9.30pm in the evening.
Ms De Petro said Mila’s passion comes from her father who was a professional dancer and developed early on in her native Italy.
It’s a passion that has only grown in the seven years since emigrating to Australia and is one her mother is behind every step of the way.
“I just support her to follow this dream.” she said.
www.gofundme.com/f/mila-x-team-australia-at-the-dance-world-cup-2024
Cade Lucas.
