Hi, my name is Olivia Hardman. I am seventeen years old and a grade 12 student at Windsor Secondary. I have been dancing competitively at Seymour Dance since the age of six.

When I found dance my life changed completely. The community that has surrounded me is like no other. I remember when I was little and used to do all kinds of activities. I had such a hard time picking which one I wanted to pursue. The moment I knew which one I loved was when my coach had to pull me off the soccer field to tell me to stop doing pirouettes.

Having the chance to learn and grow in a community full of people that want the best for me has been an amazing experience. Dance is such a beautiful art. The art of movement and connection to music is hard to match. Dancing at Seymour Dance has taught me so many life skills such as; respect, discipline, time management and artistry. The endless support from teachers, students and volunteers is one I wish upon every child.

Being able to dance has been a privilege. What I want is to give back and to be able to share my love and passion with a child in the community. I want them to feel the love and support that I have felt. Giving a child an opportunity to experience this at a young age will allow them to grow, flourish, create and thrive.

In 2024, I raised over $1800 which was given to a child at my dance studio. This scholarship has allowed this child to explore more styles of dance, compete in more groups and create more long lasting memories.

“This bursary epitomizes that support and generosity, and you

must have gone the extra mile many times to raise such an amount!... I am sure your

example will inspire others to give back and I hope very much that [ ] will follow in

your footsteps with their dance and with their attitude to helping

others and making their lives shine.”

- 2024 recipient of the Dance It Forward Bursary