Samuel Richardson, 24, from Covingham in Swindon has won gold at the Hip Hop Dance World Championships in America for the last three years alongside Team England.
The competition takes place between April 23 and April 28 at the ESPN World Wide of Sport Complex and Coronado Springs in Florida.
Samuel spoke about his preparation to defend the title, he said: “The is a lot riding on it this year and I feeling nervous but that is a good thing, it helps with the adrenaline.
“Genesis is my dance group and even though we have won before, this time feels like a must-win.
“I am excited to get there, it has become a home away from home after all these years and it just feels right when I get to compete there.”
Samuel attends Angels Dance Academy in Hartcliffe, Bristol but used to attend Wilkes Academy in Swindon for performance arts.
He shared the struggles of the dance industry and the dedication that he has had to show to become successful.
“I used to have to travel by train and electric scooters just to get there, it is one of those industries where financial viability is so tricky because you have to dedicate so much time to make this work.
“The training is long and can go late into the night, but you have to do that if you want to make it.
“The things you have to do to be a competitive dancer is tough on the body and tough on the mind – I feel good physically luckily but I know that time will soon catch up.
Samuel’s mother, Helen Mansell has supported him through the years and has helped him find a financial sponsor through Charles Harding Estate Agents which allows Samuel to attend the competition.
Helen gave an anecdote about Samuel being a child dancing in restaurants when music was playing, saying that “he could not stop moving”.
At this year’s competition, Team England will be competing in the “duos” class, which Samuel will be a part of, looking to make more history.
He said: “When we won gold the first time, it was the first time anyone from England had won gold in Hip Hop Dance – now it is time to do the same in a duo.”
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