Dorothy Barrett's National Academy Gets Bid for $1.6 Million, She Still Seeks a Miracle

"I'm still waiting for a miracle, they can happen," smiles Dorothy Barrett, who at 96 has seen her share of miracles, and appeared in miraculous films like The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind.

After 56 years, she may have to move from the acting and dance school where she also lived in Studio City near Ventura Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.

Actor and teacher Frances Lederer died in 2000 and owned half of the building, and his estate sold that half to a real estate investor. 

At one point, Dorothy was asked for $400,000 for her half of the building, but now the pricetag is up to $1 million. The building went up for auction last week and the highest bid was $1.6 million.  

Next, a judge will review the bid and consider any other offers before final approval.

Actress Amy Castle has been trying an Internet campaign to raise money. She and longtime teacher Cathy Wilkinson were also students of Dorothy's when they were girls.

"The life lessons we learned were invaluable, we want her to keep going as long as she can," Castle said. 

A tax deductible donation can be made at http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/save-the-academy-/49979

Read more: http://www.myfoxla.com/story/22436474/96-year-old-dance-teacher-fights-eviction-from-studio-city-landmark#ixzz2Uevh9qIq

Also see:

* Studio City Icon Dorothy Barrett is 96 and She Won't Leave
* Students and Families Hope to Save the Academy
* American National Academy of Performing Arts Goes Up for Sale
* Waiting for a Miracle After National Academy Auction
* Actress Amy Castle Tells What She Learned at the American National Academy

Peruse the gallery, and add some photos of your own. You can follow the campaign on Twitter, #savetheacademy

Thanks to Amy Castle and others for providing these photos.