A talented Westholme student from Bolton has returned home as a World Dance Cup Champion after an unforgettable international competition in Mexico.
Kent Hayward, 13, travelled with the Phoenix Company to compete in the prestigious World Dance Cup Championship, an event that brings together exceptional young dancers from across the globe.
Competing in solo, duet and group categories, Kent and his fellow dancers delivered outstanding performances during the competition.
Their hard work paid off in spectacular style, with Phoenix securing medals across multiple categories, including two gold medals and a silver in group performances. The pinnacle moment came when Phoenix were crowned World Champions for the X-pirit World Cup, a remarkable achievement on the global stage
Kent, who has been dancing since the age of four, performs a wide range of styles including modern, ballet, tap, commercial, acro and theatre. He was one of around 30 boys and girls of all ages from the company selected to travel to Mexico, having successfully auditioned before fundraising to make the once-in-a-lifetime trip possible.
Kent’s parents, Maurissa Hayward and her husband Barry, were unable to travel to Mexico and instead watched the competition via live stream, cheering from home despite a five-hour time difference.
Maurissa said: “Watching it live from home was incredibly emotional. When Kent ran onto the floor waving the UK flag, it honestly felt like a scene from Gladiators. It seemed so sensational and dramatic through the screen – we were probably more nervous than he was.”
She added: “Kent was a little overwhelmed at first, but he styled it out. He absolutely loved the experience and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Dancing is his passion – he loves being on stage, and we would never stop him following his dreams.”
When he’s not competing on the world stage, Kent continues to develop his love of performance at Westholme School, where he joined last year and is now in Year 8.
Maurissa said: “We looked at a few high schools, but as soon as we walked into Westholme’s foyer, Kent said, ‘This is it!’ He just knew it was the right place for him.”
Since joining Westholme, Kent has thrown himself into school life, taking part in a range of productions - most recently performing as the head of the dragon in the school’s production of Miss Saigon, in a music concert in the choir and as a piano soloist. He also enjoys drama lessons at lunchtime and is hoping to audition for a role in the school’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins.
Kent’s week is packed with creative activity, including piano lessons, theatre group, and singing and dancing lessons with Pheonix Company and his dance school Dawn Dawson’s Academy, reflecting a school environment that actively encourages pupils to explore and develop their talents.
“Westholme has been fantastic for Kent,” Maurissa added. “They really support his love of performing and give him so many opportunities to build confidence, skills and experience alongside his academic work.”
Principal, Paul Taylor, said: “We are all so proud of what Kent has achieved. To have two world champions in the school this year is quite remarkable.” Fellow student 12-year-old Sienna Hodgson, from Rishton, secured a gold medal earlier in the year at the prestigious Dance World Cup 2025 in Burgos, Spain.