Harry Smallman, at just 14 years old, has been dancing since he was nine. In the year preceding his GCSEs at school, Harry obtained a Music and Dance Award, however his real achievement lies in his part in the hit television show ‘Dance Mums’.
Dance Mums has seen Harry awarded the Inspiration Award as a result of his time on the show, having successfully auditioned for a full time place. For now Harry hopes to continue to excel in his dance and singing career and enter more competitions. Despite the short life of his performing career to date, Harry has achieved so much and has set the bar high for himself.
Have you always wanted to be involved in dance?
Since I was about six years old I wanted to dance.
How did it start?
I was inspired by watching High School Musical when I was younger, but I didn’t actually start dancing until I was nine years old.
What is a day in your life like?
I go to school at 9am and I am there until 6pm everyday. Also on Saturday mornings I have to do my academic classes, and fit in my dance classes. We have around an hour and a half of ballet during normal school hours then we have two hours dancing from 4pm until 6pm. Sometimes I also attend other dance classes at night.
What is it like being a dancer?
I love being a dancer: it’s hard work but also really enjoyable and keeps you very fit. I spend all my time dancing.
What is your favourite thing about being on Dancemums?
I loved being at the competitions and competing. Being part of the Jennifer Ellison Dance Team is amazing. I love dancing with all of the girls. It was so much fun, and hard at the same time.
What is your favourite style of dance and why?
I love Contemporary and Lyrical as you can express yourself with the music and style of dance. I also love to try and get some acro into the dance too.
What’s the best thing about dance?
Learning new moves, and taking classes with different choreographers. I have met some amazing people and friends through dance. I love trying new things and challenging myself.
And what’s the hardest?
Learning lots of new routines at the same time. And staying focused as I tend to daydream a bit!
What are your dance dreams?
My dream is to be the best I can and hopefully make it to the West End/Broadway one day. I would also love to teach others how to dance and maybe one day have my own dance school.
If you could dance with anyone, who would it be?
I would love to dance with Maddie Ziegler or any of the Dance Moms girls.
Do you have any advice for a young dancer who would like to be a professional?
Just don’t give up and try your hardest. Even if you have a bad day, keep going. Train hard and enjoy doing it.
What’s next for you?
I am going to keep training hard and hopefully have a good future.