BUDE girl, Charlotte Jenkins, aged 15, has organised a cabaret night at Penstowe, Kilkhampton, to raise funds for two of her chosen charities.

It is Charlotte's dream to become a professional dancer, but due to where she lives, she has always had to travel out of the county to attend various dance classes and companies.

She is currently studying for her GCSEs at Budehaven School, including a Dance GCSE. Since she was young she has attended various dance schools including Italia Conti in Plymouth, Cornwall Youth Dance Company in St Austell and at present is with the Jason Thomas Dance Company in Truro. She also studies ballet with Nicola Brice in Launceston.

Charlotte performed in London over Easter at Sadlers Wells Theatre with the Jason Thomas Dance Company; this will be the second year she has done this and she is able to gain valuable experience from performing on a London stage. This year she has the added pressure of being chosen to sing as well as dance!

In July this year, Charlotte has the opportunity to go with the Jason Thomas Dance Company to Vancouver in Canada. To enable her to do this, she has had to be involved with a lot of fundraising activities, such as shows, bag packing, cooking, dance offs, and sponsored events.

Each girl has to try and raise as much money as possible, as the trip is costing £1,500 each, which includes a week summer school at The Perform Art Studios and Harbour Dance, and this is proving to be a mammoth task.

All fundraising for the dance company goes towards not just the Canada trip but it enables all students the opportunity to take part in additional dance development activities outside of the dance curriculum, developing their skills as performers.

Charlotte had the idea of organising a Charity Cabaret night as part of her fundraising, which she has aptly named 'I Have a Dream.' It will be held at Penstowe Leisure at Kilkhampton (where she will be working this summer on the entertainments team) and will enable local people to show off their talents to the community. She will be helped by Katie Stevenson from Bridgerule who has recently joined the Jason Thomas Dance Company.

Charlotte wanted the proceeds of the cabaret night to be divided with another charity called 'Sam's House' which is a CLIC Sargent Family Support House.

The Charity Cabaret night is on Sunday (April 26) at Penstowe Leisure starting at 7pm. Tickets are available to buy from Glam Rags or phoning Charlotte on 01288 361661.