Rishton girl to represent Team England at Dance World Cup

Sienna Hodgson, 11, qualified in four soloist categories for the competition in Burgos, northern Spain in July.

Sienna trains with Vale Studios in Stockport, who she qualified to represent Team England with, four times a week, and also trains at Moorland Ballet Academy in Clitheroe as well as going through education there.

Sienna has been dancing since she was three (Image: Rebecca Hodgson) Her mum, Rebecca Hodgson, said Sienna is "destined" for a career in dance and spoke of her pride at her daughter's success.

She said: "I'm so proud. To see her actually doing what she loves is so important.

"She's destined for a career in dance and she's always dreamed of being a Dance World Cup soloist. Just to see her thriving and doing what she loves is incredible. 

"It's such a commitment as a parent as I'm either at work or travelling back and forth to Stockport, but we do it because we can see how talented she is. It's really worth it. She's going to go far, she's got something special.

Sienna currently trains at Moorland Ballet Academy in Clitheroe and Vale Studios in Stockport (Image: Rebecca Hodgson) "She wants to have a career in dance and then she wants to move on to being a choreographer and inspire others through dance. She's got a bit of a plan already at 11!"

Sienna, who has been dancing since she was three years old, has competed at two previous Dance World Cups, held in Prague, Czechia, and Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, as part of a group - this year's competition in Burgos will be her first as a soloist.

This is the first time Sienna has qualified for the World Cup as a soloist (Image: Rebecca Hodgson) After making video submissions of her performances to be put forward to the judges, she came in first place in contemporary scoring 100 per cent, first place in jazz with 97 per cent, third in lyrical, and fifth in ballet - the top five from each category qualifying for the World Cup.

Rebecca said: "It's the biggest competition the sport has got to offer in terms of recognition.

"It's not an Olympic sport and dancers haven't got the recognition of, say, gymnasts. 

"There are normally around 65 countries that compete so you're looking at around 10,000 dancers from across the world."

In order to get Sienna to the World Cup, they will need to raise around £4,000 to fund flights, accommodation, costumes, her Team England uniform, and rehearsal fees.

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A fundraising page has been set up aiming to raise half of this money, with people urged to help where they can in order to help Sienna fulfil her dream.

Rebecca added: "She’s been a really talented dancer from a young age.

"Wherever she goes she’s told she’s got really special qualities because she’s very classical as well, but she’s got elements you can’t teach a dancer, things like performance and artistry, stuff you can’t learn or be taught."

To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/sienna-hodgson-team-england-soloist