23 Sept 2026

Jessica Taylor Won Gold at the Dance World Cup

Huge congratulations to Year 11 student Jessica Taylor who won gold at the Dance World Cup. We caught to find out more about her love of dance. 

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Tell us about yourself…. 

I’m what’s known as a triple threat in the world of performing arts (a versatile performer with skills in acting, singing and dance) I have ambitions to go into acting. Singing and dancing are still a big part of my life, especially dancing, but acting is where my ambition lies. 

Summary of achievements:  

I started dancing when I was 2 and joined my dance company when I was 4.  I started competing when I was 7 and I now regularly compete in the Dance World Cup achieving medal places and I won gold this year.

I have been getting key and lead roles in musicals at Seaford, where I’m a scholar, in Year 9&10 – something that you usually get in years 12 & 13. I was Wednesday in the Addams family in Year 9 and Kim in Miss Saigon in Year 10, both roles are very different and I loved the versality of it. 

I joined Seaford in year 4 and I was a dancer and I’ve found my love for singing and acting in the Prep School and Middle school. Other shows I’ve been in include: 

Seaford Prep School: 

Year 6 I was Matilda in Matilda 

Year 7 Neleus in Mary Poppins 

Year 8 I was truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 

Seaford Middle School: 

Year 9 Wednesday in The Addams Family 

Year 10 Kim in Miss Saigon 

I also love taking part in the Dance Shows at Seaford College. 

What or who inspires you?  

Charlotte Riley, I met her on holiday and had a long talk with her on the beach, and she really inspired me to go into acting. She gave me great advice to just be me and if people don’t like it then not to be bothered by it.  At my age this advice has helped me put things into perspective and to not let the pressure stress me out.  I often think of her advice, and I feel lucky to have heard this so early in my career.  It’s given me resilience and a new outlook on a tough industry.  

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?  

Hopefully, on the red carpet as an actress, that’s the dream.  I’d love to star in a film or TV series. 

What would be your top tip for someone wanting to follow your path?  

Don’t leave anything to chance, work hard. I believe that hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard. Resilience is really important in the tough acting industry, give yourself the best chance possible and say yes to opportunities but enjoy it along the way. Use feedback constructively to channel your efforts to improve and don’t take it to heart. It can be hard because you really care, but dance teachers, directors, and singing teachers' advice is there to help you improve.