Page 43 - Demo

November 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 43Where there%u2019s a Will%u2026 A young dancer is pirouetting his way into the spotlight as a performer and as an example of determination, talent, and the right support.At just 11 years old, William Cooper from Northampton is already an experienced performer on the big stage. William began dancing at the age of three and was enrolled into dance classes by his mum, Pia Edwards, as a positive outlet for his boundless energy. While he was initially the only boy in the class, William%u2019s passion became clear. But it wasn%u2019t until Pia connected with dance teacher Estha Jones %u2013 a coach in rhythmic gymnastics and dance %u2013 that William%u2019s journey took fl ight.When Estha moved her dance school, Dexterity, to nearby Great Houghton and brought her boys-only class %u2018Rage%u2019 too, William found his space to thrive. From there, his development was rapid. Training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, street, lyrical, modern and acrobatics, William began entering the prestigious All England Dance festivals. He won his fi rst trophy at the age of seven and continued collecting accolades, including gold medals and special honours such as Best Character, Most Promising Boy, and Best Jazz Duet.%u201cWilliam auditioned successfully for the Royal Ballet Associates and spent Year 6 training every Saturday at the Royal Ballet School, all while continuing his classes at Dexterity,%u201d said Pia.%u201cThat year turned out to be a breakthrough. He was cast in The Nutcracker at both The Royal Albert Hall and The Hippodrome, a dream come true for any young dancer. And in a standout moment of 2025, William was scouted by Britain%u2019s Got Talent producers and invited to perform in front of Simon Cowell and the judging panel, gaining an incredible %u20184 Yeses%u2019.But the biggest milestone came when William auditioned for the Royal Ballet School%u2019s White Lodge, the prestigious full-time boarding school for gifted young dancers. %u201cOut of thousands of applicants, he was one of only 12 boys selected to join the Year 7 intake,%u201d said Pia. What makes William%u2019s journey so remarkable is the context in which it has unfolded. Diagnosed at age nine with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (attention defi cit hyperactivity disorder), William has faced academic challenges, but dance has become his language, his safe space, and his future.With the support of an education care plan and a dedicated teaching assistant, William is able to meet both the academic and vocational demands of life at White Lodge. His early training at Dexterity laid the foundation: a place where male dancers were supported and celebrated, and where William never felt out of place for following his passion among a fi eld of girls.Now, living and learning at White Lodge, William is immersed in an environment where dance is woven into every part of the day. He has already been cast again in The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House, and will appear in Wayne McGregor%u2019s critically acclaimed contemporary ballet Woolf Works. %u201cThis is an accolade beyond our dreams, as he is so passionate about contemporary dance,%u201d added Pia. %u201cAnd to now be selected to perform in this professional company is staggering. He%u2019s blessed to have found his tribe.%u201dWe make the process quick and easy with a fi xed cost of %u00a3360 each or %u00a3580 for both (including fees)Why is a lasting Power of Attorney important?You can only set up a Lasting Power of Attorney when you have mental capacity. Once you%u2019ve lost capacity, it%u2019s too late.Remember even with an LPA you have not lost control of your fi nances while you are still able to look after them.For more information pleasecall us or visit our website01234 713 938www.orchardwills.co.ukOrchard Wills, Unit 2 Stanley Court, Bucks, MK46 5NHLasting Power of AttorneyProperty & Financial Afi airs or Health & WelfareWhat will you leave behind?Single Will from %u00a3120 %u2022 Mirror Wills from %u00a3180A friendly service, office or home visits availableRon Hall from Orchard Wills being congratulated on being the longest-serving member of the Society of Will Writers