YOUNG Ipswich dancer Sophie Knight is about to achieve a dazzling milestone, with the 12-year-old earning a bid to compete at the renowned Dance Summit in Orlando, Florida in May.
For Sophie, dance is more than a hobby – it’s a family legacy.
The Knight family’s connection to dance spans more than 20 years, with Sophie’s mum, cousins, and other family members also embracing the craft.
Sophie naturally followed in their footsteps, and now, in her sixth year of competitive dance, she’s making her own mark.
Sophie’s love for dance shines brightest when she’s performing.
“Putting in your all and showcasing an amazing routine,” she said.
“The judges’ and audiences’ reactions, the coaches’ reactions and the opportunity to compete against other amazing teams.”
Earning a bid to the Dance Summit is no small feat, with the invitation-only event one of the largest and most prestigious dance championships in the All-Star market.
“The Dance Summit provides a unique experience for dancers in the non-worlds divisions to go head-to-head with the best teams from around the globe,” Sophie said.
“Varsity All Star is committed to producing an innovative, competitive, and unforgettable end of the season experience.
“Dancers compete at Varsity All Star events all season to earn a bid to the Dance Summit.”
Sophie and her team will participate in five routines across various divisions, showcasing their versatility and skill.
The Dance Summit promises to be an extraordinary experience, and Sophie is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Over the years, Sophie has celebrated many milestones, from winning competitions to mastering difficult skills.
“Earning the bid to the Dance Summit is something I always wanted to do one day, but to know it’s going to happen is incredible,” she said.
Sophie’s rigorous training schedule reflects her commitment to dance.
During the holiday season, she trained three days a week for five hours each day.
As the competition season ramps up, Sophie now trains six days a week.
Sophie said her success wouldn’t be possible without the support of her coaches, friends and family.
Competing at an event like the Dance Summit comes with significant expenses, including travel and training costs.
To help make this dream a reality, Sophie’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign at gofund.me/665fe1d8.
