Darcey Mathilda has been dancing since the age of 2 but entered the studio first at about 2 weeks old to watch mum and dad at work.

She has always been driven, committed and very stubborn and had her fair share of successes. Being the daughter of dance teachers brings its positives and negatives which Darcey has experienced and learnt to accept. Its not an easy position to be in but also brings great opportunities her way.

As her parents, Simon and I are tough on her, really tough! Darcey has to wait until last for a lot of things while mum and dad sort the students first. She has had to share her parents not with siblings but with over 100 other dancers all wanting attention at the studio, she has never once complained.

Darcey is a good dancer, something we rarely tell her, and something I find hard even to write. We don't push Darcey to be noticed, that's something she has learnt to do herself. She is confident in her own 'world of dance' and has learnt to deal with the things thrown at her. Consequently she has a great track record in Competitions with a huge amount of wins and titles under her belt. Another thing we struggle to tell people. Darcey's successes are mentioned - we don't hide them - but never openly celebrated, we choose rather to just place the trophies along with the rest in her room.

Earlier this year Darcey attended a Follow Your Dreams Regional Competition in Bristol (one of 6 regionals I think.) She was awarded the chance to represent the UK in Australia at the FYD National Finals in Jan 2019, the only child to be given the honour in the whole of the UK national FYD tour - from well over 1000 solo dancers!

Simon and I have gone backwards and forwards with this; Can we go? Can we afford it? etc etc. Sleepless nights and long conversations have led us to question a lot of different things.

Ultimately we realise that Darcey has a talent that should be celebrated. Her position in life 'the daughter of dance teachers' should not effect the opportunities she has been given. Both Simon and I would 100% back fundraising for any other student at our dance school in a heartbeat so Darcey should be given the same treatment however awkward we may feel.

NO ONE is expected to contribute to getting Darcey to Australia. But if she has ever touched you with her talent, supported your dancer with her care and attention or helped you in anyway please give something to make her Dream Come True.

For her representing the UK in Australia and having the backing from her friends and family is HUGE. More than just the competition, it means she can say that her Mum and Dad shouted loud how proud they are of her and not just put the offer on the shelf with the other trophies.

Thank you all, it means everything to us

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