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Dancer needs help to fulfill dream

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By CLIFF GILL Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 21, 2009

PORT RICHEY - Bella Calafiura has done a big thing.

And even that may be an understatement.

Calafiura, an award-winning ballet dancer, in March qualified to compete in Singapore in the Adeline Genee International Ballet Competition, Sept. 9-12. Held annually, the competition invites the world's best young ballet dancers.

The 16-year-old Gulf High sophomore receives technical support from Gillian Davis, who danced with the Royal Ballet of London and later with the Rhodesian National Ballet. Davis has taught ballet for 40 years around the world and currently has a dance studio in Port Richey.

The missing ingredient is financial support.

Calafiura and her coach are looking to raise $9,000 to attend the event. The nonprofit Expressions-The Dance Company is holding numerous fundraisers, including raffles, dance-a-thons, letters seeking corporate sponsors and appeals to local businesses. A dinner with a silent auction is planned July 18 at Timber Greens Country Club in New Port Richey.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the pinnacle of what Bella has been working for all these years," Davis said.

Calafiura began ballet at age 4.

"I believe that dance is not only a physical action, but one that comes from within and something that can bring light to others," she said. "I have been passionate about ballet since I could walk and ever since taking my first dance class, it has become the greatest joy in my life.""

Practicing at dance studios in Port Richey and Tampa, Calafiura is both excited and apprehensive.

"It's intimidating to compete against the best ballet dancers and to perform in front of the best coaches in the world," she said.

With help, Calafiura is hoping to do something even bigger - successfully compete before a panel of international judges.

For information to help Calafiura in her quest to compete in Singapore, call Davis at (727) 967-8226.

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