Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out with some exciting news and a heartfelt request for support.

My name is Valen and this year I will be representing Canada at the official IDO World Tap Championships, which will be held in Prague, Czechia, from October 22 -26, 2025. Auditions for Team Canada Dance brought some of the best dancers from across Canada to vie for a position to represent Canada at this prestigious event.

My journey leading up to this incredible opportunity was rather unique. I began tap dancing recreationally in 2019 at the age of 9. I spent about five months dipping my toes into the amazing art of tap, discovering an unexpected passion for the style. Sadly though, the pandemic hit and I was unable to dance whatsoever for the remainder of that season along with the two that followed.

At the age of 12 I returned to dance, craving to be able to get back into the thing I loved most, however skeptical of whether or not I would be able to "catch up" on all the time I had missed. That year I discovered tap again. I attended technique classes and even competed in a tap group dance. The following year I was offered a tap solo and I couldn't have been more thrilled! My love for tap had exploded and I was driven to learn as much as I could. I practiced for hours in the studio, at home, at school, in grocery stores...pretty much everywhere.

My solo went on to do very well at local competitions, which surprised and excited me; simply fueling my tap obsession. I have received continued success as I learn more and develop my skills further, leading me to the achievement of making Canada's team.

I feel so very grateful for having found tap dance and being able to further my growth in the style. I give tap dance my all and I feel so blessed that it continues to give back to me.

I am absolutely ecstatic to have this amazing opportunity to share my abilities with the world and get inspired by so many other amazing tappers.

The International Dance Organization (IDO) is a World Dance and Dance-Sport Federation with a membership of over 90 nations, representing more than 250,000 dancers from six continents. The best dancers worldwide will compete for the World Championship title! Our organization, Team Canada Dance, is a non-profit National Member Organization (NMO) with IDO. We audition dancers and recruit the best choreographers to represent Canada for the World Championships.

Each dancer must personally cover all expenses associated with training, travel, accommodations, uniforms, and registration.

My estimated cost is approximately $6,000 CAD, which covers:

This dream come true feels so surreal, but we (I) can’t do it alone. If you’re in a position to help support my journey, even a small amount, I’d be endlessly grateful. And if you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with your network to help spread the word.

Thank you so much!