Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

My name is Allie Young, and I am 18 years old. I am a proud Bruce County girl, calling Cargill home. I attend Walkerton District Community School, where I have completed Grade 12. I will be returning in the fall to continue my studies, focusing on science and math. I aspire to attend University in the fall of 2026, to become a nurse, and eventually a nurse practitioner.

For the past decade, dance has been at the very heart of my life. I’ve been training and competing since I was eight years old, guided and inspired every step of the way by Miss Jasmine Goulding at Dance Unlimited Co. in Walkerton. Her mentorship has shaped not only my skills but my passion for the art, instilling in me the discipline and joy that dance brings.

I am honored to have been chosen to be a member of Team Canada Dance. As I prepare to step onto the world stage at the World Championships in November 2025, in Belgium, I wanted to share what this journey means to me.

Dancing has always been more than movement—it’s my voice, my passion, and my way of connecting with the world. Being selected to represent Canada is a dream come true. It’s the result of years of training, countless hours in the studio, and the unwavering support of my coaches, teammates, and family.

Competing at the World Championships is not just about medals or rankings. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with athletes from across the globe, each of us bringing our unique stories, cultures, and styles to the floor. It’s about pushing myself beyond limits, embracing the nerves, and letting the music carry me.

Wearing the maple leaf on my jacket fills me with pride. It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger—a legacy of artistry, athleticism, and unity. I dance not only for myself, but for every young Canadian who dreams of expressing themselves through movement.

In Canada, dance remains unrecognized as a sport, despite the extraordinary commitment and athleticism of its performers. Many dancers train several times a week, demonstrating the flexibility of gymnasts, the grace of figure skaters, and the unwavering dedication of Olympic athletes. I devote countless hours to my craft.

Without official recognition or government support, each dancer must seek individual sponsorship to cover the costs of competition.

This is where you can help! Any amount, big or small, will be instrumental in helping me to achieve my dream of dancing for our country.

Thank you for believing in me and in the power of dance. Your encouragement fuels my spirit, and I promise to give everything I have when I take that stage.

With gratitude and excitement,

Allie Young

Proud member of Team Canada Dance

photo credit: Zettel Photography