'I wish this course was about when I was in care'

A pioneering performing arts course for young people in care is aiming to break down barriers to help them crack into the industry.

The online video course, for anyone in care aged between 13-17, has been developed by The Share Foundation in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire; Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire and the Rothschild Foundation.

Anais Houillet, a dance teacher who features on the course and was in care as a teenager, said she wished it had been offered to her when she was growing up.

"I feel grateful to be part of it, and to share what I went through and to let people know it's possible," she said.

The course aims to bridge the gap "for some of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK by offering creative outlets that foster confidence, resilience, creativity and potential future career opportunities," organisers said.

It has been produced by media company Particle6 and will support personal development and connect young people to a wider network of performing arts resources and organisations.

Ms Houillet, who works for social enterprise company Care to Dance, was chosen to take part because of her own experience and gives tutorials in different dance styles.

"My advice to young people is to block out the noise and just focus on yourself and your craft, and to create your own opportunities despite the rejections," she said.

"Have a strong belief in yourself. Make do with what you have. If you need a showreel or portfolio, start with your phone, and that momentum will attract opportunities for you.

"I wish there was something like this when I was growing up. I really wanted to do the arts. It wasn't really encouraged and I didn't have a role model to ask advice or get help from.

"I can share what I went through, to let people know it's possible and hopefully it will break down barriers."

Gavin Oldham, chairman of trustees at The Share Foundation, said: "It's more than providing a course - it's trying to change life prospects, giving them another skill that will hopefully make a difference. It's giving them the opportunities to develop those life skills."

The course, that will be available to all local authorities, is set to launch in early 2025.

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