Hi, my name is Holly Gibson-Barnard. I'm 18 years old and currently studying Performing Arts and Musical Theatre at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, based in Swindon. My passion, ever since I was able to walk, has always been dancing, with a lifelong ambition to perform in the West End! I have been dancing since I was 2 years old and driven my family mad ever since!!

Earlier on in the year, I auditioned, with a company called Tap Attack, to see if I was good enough to secure a place in the England Tap Team, to represent Great Britain at the World IDO Tap Championships in November/December 2017. I was incredibly nervous but went along for the experience and thought that if I made the Team it was a bonus. After all, this was my first attempt.

The audition was extremely challenging and competitive but I enjoyed every minute. I now had the long, agonising wait for the results. On the 3rd July, the Team was announced and to my surprise, excitement and pride, I had been selected!!! For not one, but two categories!!! I'm so proud to be selected to be a part of Team GB and represent Great Britain but I need to raise at least £2,500 towards the trip in order to compete. This includes travel, accommodation, expenses, medical kits, insurance, costumes, choreography, studio hire, food, props, team entry, licences, etc, etc.

I would be so very grateful if anybody that knows me, or my friends and family, would be willing to help me by donating something towards my trip. However big, or small, it would really help make this dream come true! And hopefully I can do you all proud and come back with a medal!

Thank you all so much in advance and for taking the time to read this!!

Lots of love to you all, Holly xx