Leo's Story

Leo received support from the Arts Management Fund, part of the Student Opportunities Fund, which helps students access arts and cultural activities they couldn’t otherwise afford. For Leo, this funded one-to-one coaching sessions with a professional.

"The Arts Management Fund enabled my partner and me to prepare for competition at the highest levels of the University Dancesport Circuit and to strengthen Durham University’s results at regional and national events. The award removed a key financial barrier and made essential professional coaching possible. Funds were allocated to weekly one-to-one sessions with a professional coach, supplemented by vacation training, focused on choreography, technical critique, and targeted development in both Ballroom and Latin. Combined with our 12–15 hours of weekly joint training, this ensured continuity, progress, and readiness for top-tier competition.

We competed at the advanced level in Ballroom and the intermediate level in Latin, and were selected for the Durham A Team at every competition for the Team Match event. At Northerns, we achieved 1st in Intermediate Latin and 3rd in Advanced Ballroom, and Durham A placed 1st in the Team Match, retaining its title as the top A Team in the North for the past 7 years. At Nationals, we placed 5th in Advanced Ballroom, 3rd in Intermediate Latin, and helped secure 3rd in the Team Match—the best result Durham has ever achieved at Nationals.

The success I achieved this year wouldn't have been possible without the Arts Management Fund. The support made all the difference in providing the training required to compete at the highest level. I am extremely grateful to have received this fund, which showcases Durham’s generosity and investment in its students. Thank you! –Leo"