A 19-year-old from Douglas will be able to attend a performing arts academy, despite receiving no funding from the government.

Earlier this year, we reported how Esmée Benjamin had had to leave her dance course in at a college in Liverpool due to a chronic knee condition and had been accepted onto a course in Belfast.

She was struggling to fund her course after her application for funding to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture was rejected.

A spokesman for the DESC has previously said that while it supported students to undertake performing arts courses, Esmée’s course was not accredited, meaning the DESC could not support her financially.

She was also rejected by the Isle of Man Arts Council which placed concern on her knee and the Belfast college she will be attending doesn’t offer bursaries to students.

Despite all this, Esmée has confirmed she be able to attend the course, starting in September, thanks to the support of her family.

She said: ’As my family do not want me to miss out on such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they are trying to come to together and get some funds together for me.’

The new course is run by the prestigious American Musical Theatre Academy (AMTA) and she is the first Manx student to successfully audition for a place on one of its courses.

Kenneth Avery-Clark, principal of AMTA, said of Esmee: ’After seeing her twice for auditions, we were extremely impressed with her dedication and professionalism. Her very obvious passion for the business is clear in her work.’

Esmée told iomtoday, that this coming week, she would have an interview with the Douglas Choral Union.

DCU has a bursary which it uses to support the ’development of locals pursuing further education in drama, dance, music and theatre’.

In its own words, DCU says it hopes to help ’perhaps unearthing the next Sam Barks’.

Esmée told of her excitement at beginning her new course and gave an update on her knee.

She said: ’I am going over to Liverpool on September 3, for one last cortisone injection in my knee then after this if there is still no difference I will be going ahead with keyhole surgery, which should correct the issue.’

’As for my new course and getting off the island, I am really looking forward to September and embracing this opportunity.’