Girl defies all medical odds to become dancer
A TEENAGER with a congenital hip disorder has beaten medical odds to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Cassie Davenport was born with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) which meant the ball and socket joint didn’t form properly.
At just 13 months old she underwent surgery to correct the dislocation and was put in a cast for six months to help rebuild her hip joint.
Cassie had barely come out of her cast when her mother Sandy, once a professional dancer in London’s West End, enrolled her in ballet classes to help with her movement.
The 18-year-old, from Rhydyclafdy, near Pwllheli, said: “The lack of muscle was the reason my mum sent me to ballet as it is known to strengthen and improve both mobility and flexibility.
“As a dancer herself, she believed this was the most appropriate way to strength- en my hips. I’ve been dancing with Pwllheli School of Dance ever since.”
Cassie excelled as a dancer despite the dysplasia, and such was her prowess that she was offered a place on a foundation course at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), regarded as one of the best in Britain.
But Cassie’s dancing dream was dealt a blow when she discovered it is impossible to get any form of loan or grant from the government, charities or the school itself to pay for the course.
She’s now desperately trying to raise £9,000 for fees and £4,500 for accommodation for the year.
“I’m working two jobs over summer and have already applied for jobs in Liverpool, but this isn’t going to be enough,” she said. “That’s why I’ve set up my justgiving page.
“I know this doesn’t come close to a life-threatening situation, but I can’t express enough how much I want this.
“I’m so proud of my offer, as they chose me out of thousands of applicants.
“I come from a small dance school in North Wales and only 19 have been accepted (on the course from across the UK), which shows that I have the potential and determination to succeed.”
Whether she raises the money or not, Cassie will always be grateful for the operation that allowed her to be in position to pursue a dancing career.
She said: “If I hadn’t have had the operation my life could be very different.
“I’m hoping to be able to perform for as long as I can, I genuinelyy can’t imaginee doing anything else with my life.” ■ You can donate to Cassie’s appeal at www.justgiving. com/ crowd - funding/cassiedavenport