At just nine years old, this dancer and gymnast from Bradford is stepping onto the world stage.

The Kiss family will accompany their nine-year-old daughter Addison to her International Dance Organization dance competition in Kielce, Poland, from November 28 to 30. There, she will compete as part of Team Canada Dance in the acro category – a combination of classical dance and gymnastics – in large and small groups as well as in a solo performance.

When the call came in July that Addison had been accepted into the team, the young dancer said she was speechless.

“Her jaw dropped, she couldn’t believe it,” said mother Erin.

Now Addison can’t wait to travel to Poland and do her best for the national team.

“It’s really exciting because one of our teammates traveled to Germany last year for the same competition,” she said.

Although her teammate took home silver, Addison said she would be happy if she finished anywhere in the top 10.

“I’ve probably never been so proud,” Erin said of her daughter being on the team. “It warms my heart.”

She explained that the family of five, including Addison’s two sisters, also want to travel to Kielce to show their support and enjoy performances by some of the best dancers in the world.

In addition, Erin said, the family plans to explore local food, culture and tourism opportunities.

“Poland would never have been on our list as a place we would take everyone to, so I’m glad the opportunity arose,” she said.

To prepare for the competition, Addison attended several rehearsals in Mississauga and Milton under the direction of choreographer Derek Piquette, who is known for his performances at So you think you can dance, Cirque Du Soleil And World of Dancee, and according to Team Canada Dance, he performed with and choreographed for Jennifer Lopez.

“It’s really fun to learn the dances, but the choreography is pretty hard,” Addison said, adding that she’s especially looking forward to the solo competition.

She also plans to borrow a costume from one of her fellow dancers who wore it when she was younger, so Addison can bring even more pride to her hometown team in Poland.

Although she has only been dancing for three years and competing for two, Addison has been doing gymnastics since she was six months old and will begin her fourth year of dance at the Bradford School of Dance this fall.

One of her dance moms was aware of her ability and recommended that Addison apply for nationals, so Erin submitted an application video based on Addison’s solo performance at a previous competition, which obviously impressed the judges.

While taking part in an international competition is an exciting opportunity, it also comes with costs for travel, food and accommodation, so the family has launched a series of fundraising campaigns.

For those with a sweet tooth, the family is taking orders for Krispy Kreme doughnuts, priced at $15 per dozen, which should be available for pickup starting November 5.

They are also getting ready to give away several hampers full of gift cards and items from various local businesses including: Hay Caramba, Bradford Jewellery by Peter Dykie, Diamond Dreams Jewellers, Il Gatto e la Volpe Restaurant, 3 Scoops Ice Cream, Wing Zone and Reali’s No Frills.

Tickets will be available at the Bradford Farmers’ Market on Saturday 31 August and Saturday 28 September, where the prize draw will take place and where Addison will also perform live.

In addition, Addison also creates handmade bracelets that will be available for purchase.

For more information about the fundraisers or to order donuts, email Erin at (email protected).