A BALLET gala created by one of the Royal Ballet's first soloists is being held at a Dorset manor house to support performing arts.

Meaghan Grace Hinkis is creating the event at Athelhampton House near Dorchester to be held across the weekend of September 10 and 11.

It follows on from 2020 and 2021’s hugely successful galas collectively raising more than £100k to support performing arts in the UK.

The fundraiser will also helpt displaced Ukrainian dance students and will include a new piece featuring music by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk and Ukrainian dancer Marianna Tsembenhoi.

American dancer Meaghan said: “Last year’s magical weekend of live music and dance was a huge success.

"The funds raised have helped keep our cherished theatres afloat during one of the most challenging times in our history. This year’s donations will not only aid our arts communities but support others from Ukraine.

"The Youth America Grand Prix has already been able to support over 100 Ukrainian dancers placing them safely in schools across the world and we hope to improve on that figure with further ticket sales from this year's charity gala.”

More than 80 children from local schools are invited to the gala and will have the opportunity to see their first ballet performance.

Meaghan, whose performances include The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty, took action to support her industry through the creation of a charity gala at the height of lockdown as a response to the closures of all performing arts venues for almost two years.

The first gala in 2020 went from conception to launch in just under a month - raising more than £45k, and in 2021 successfully raised a further £60k which was shared across a mix of dance charities.

Meaghan said: "With so many amazing Ukrainian artists and performers displaced from the ongoing conflict, this was an opportunity to work with that talent to show the schools in attendance how ballet transcends different cultures.

“We’re excited to perform without a single Covid-19 restriction this year; with new faces and more schools participating. And to see how the arts are flourishing once again!”

The gala will once again be held in the grounds of Athelhampton House. Attendees can picnic in the gardens before enjoying a late afternoon outdoor performance under covered seating.

Tickets can be purchased at www.athelhampton.com/ballet. Proceeds will support the recovery funds of the Royal Ballet companies and other dance charities.