Harry Bartlett has been living in the UK for the most part of two years, training at one of the most prestigious dance schools in the world - The Carey Academy Birmingham UK. We catch up with him to hear more about his latest challenges and achievements...

I was incredibly lucky to win an AIMES Emerging Talent Award in 2014, and the support from that enabled us to travel overseas and begin the platform of international dance. I first saw The Carey Academy Dance School in a movie when I was 11 years old, and in 2016 that dream became a reality when I was able to travel to the UK and become a part of something that I love. Dancing has been a passion since I was four years old . It has been tough going at times lately due to injury and living so far away from home. Funding of course is always a consideration, but I am loving doing something that I am so passionate about.

In April of this year I competed at the World Championships in Glasgow. It has been a life-long goal to be top 10 in the world, and this year I achieved this by securing sixth place with my solo dancing, a massive jump of 10 places since I won the Aimes Award in 2014. This is one of the highest achievements by a New Zealand male Dancer at the World Championships, and I am thrilled!

My team also came away with a huge result, placing second at the World Championships!

I was incredibly lucky to have my Mother and sister Emily attend the event all the way from NZ. I think mum was pretty proud to see me perform on the world stage in front of over 21 judges..

Another goal of mine was to one day perform in an international show...and that is now beginning to become a reality as this past weekend I was flown to France to perform with the Murphy's Celtic Legacy. I am now about to embark on a two week masterclass with Murphy's Celtic Legacy, and if they like me this could be the start of a 50 city tour in January 2019!

I will be forever grateful for the support I have received from the North Harbour Club, as I am now living my dancing dream.

Harry dancing at the 2018 World Championships |  Harry on the podium for top 6  |  Harry with his sister Emily
Photo credit to Feis Photography