A 19-year-old dance student who suffers from a knee disorder feels the island could do more to support the performing arts.

Esme Benjamin, from Douglas, currently studies at Liverpool’s Studio 10 dance and drama college.

Last October she began having issues with her knee, which led to her having an MRI scan in January.

She was subsequently diagnosed with chondromalacia patella, an abnormal softening of the cartilage of the underside the kneecap leading to chronic knee pain.

Miss Benjamin said: ’Since being diagnosed with this condition, I have not been able to participate in any of my dance lessons. Therefore, I have thought long and hard and made the decision to look for a more suitable course.

’I came across a course starting in September in Belfast run by the American Musical Theatre Academy. The course consists of a third of dancing, a third of singing and a third of acting, my current course is 99% dancing.’

The course offered by the AMTA is a highly respected professional development course for those wishing to pursue careers on the stage.

And Miss Benjamin says she is the first Manx student to be accepted onto the AMTA course.

However, she now fears she will not be able to attend because of a lack of financial support for performing students.

’I seem to be coming up against negativity and closed doors. I cannot pursue and further my career in the island, therefore I am having to look elsewhere.’ She said.

’My mother is a single parent and is unable to financially support me in this. I have been greatly appreciative of the financial help I have gained so far from the Department of Education.

’But regrettably they are not willing to transfer my last year of studies over.’

Miss Benjamin says she feels this is disrespectful to the performing industry and those who wish to pursue a career in it.

The department has informed her that as the new course is not an "accredited" course, it is a professional development course, she is not eligible for new funding.

As such, Miss Benjamin has turned to seeking for sponsorship to her course which will cost £8,500 a year before she even pays a penny in rent or travel.

Her passion and drive for wanting to pursue her chosen career is clear.

She explained: ’I have been dancing and perfoming since the age of three and would hate to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience.

’The course hold so many opportunities.’

While she continues to seek financial support, Miss Benjamin has sought a second opinion over her knee with a specialist suggesting she does not have the condition first diagnose.

As she awaits a new MRI, she says the surgeon believes a small keyhole surgical procedure may be all that’s needed to correct her knee.

But he still suggests her current course is not ideal as it may undo any repairs to her knee and she should try to change to the new course.