A tap dancing youngster from Farnham is stepping into the big time as she’s heading to Czechia to represent the UK on the world stage.

Ellie Hargraves has been selected to represent Team UK at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Prague.

The 11-year-old is already moving in big circles having previously been crowned 2026 All Dance England national champion in their ‘ten years of age’ category.

She’s now ready to go toe-to-toe with some of the world’s best at the October showpiece, with a fundraising appeal being launched to help get Ellie to Czechia.

“I came third last year so this year I’m at the top of the age group so I’m hoping to do even better,” said Ellie, who hopes to land a Broadway or movie career.

“I’m very excited and a little bit nervous. I have been practicing daily and travelling up to Swindon once a week to train.”

All England Dance is not a single event that dancers can enter directly. Dancers must first compete at recognised qualifying festivals and achieve the required standard before progressing to a regional final.

Only the highest two placed qualifying dancers earn the opportunity to compete at the National Finals, where they perform against counterparts from across England.

Ellie is no stranger to the IDO World Tap Dance Championships as a she took part in a UK duo last year which came third in the world.

This year she is the only soloist selected to represent the UK in the Children’s Female Tap Solo category in addition to a duo.

Her mum Sarah Hargrave said: “I am beyond proud of her, particularly because of the extraordinary amount of work required simply to reach this stage of the competition.”

To help Ellie get to Prague head to: https://tinyurl.com/6w7dam9d