Dance is a sport – Amelia 58 is going to the Bachata World Championships in 2025

When dance becomes a top sport – and dreams gain muscle and meaning

I dance for those of us who will still flourish.

I am 58 years old and dancing my way to the 2025 Bachata World Championships.

This is more than dance – it is will, strength and life force in movement.

And now I invite you along for the journey.

187990192-1257576224645116-3584630707109926757-n-1-.jpg

Amelia Fjellvard

The first step

I stood alone in the dance hall in Spain. The sweat was pouring down. The muscles were burning.

I took a deep breath, focused my gaze in the mirror – and started the choreography for the thirtieth time that day. And suddenly I knew:

I'm going to do it. I'm going to represent Norway in the Bachata World Championships.

My name is Amelia Fjellvard, I am 58 years old – and in 2025 I will be on stage at the Bachata World Championship in Mexico at the age of 59. If you don't know what Bachata is, you can read more about it here: https://www.ameliafjellvard.com/no/hva-er-bachata

To many, it may sound like an exotic dance adventure.

But the truth is: This is high-level sport.

This is sport – and a journey I can't do alone.

Have you ever felt that one moment changed everything? That something inside you just knew – this is the way forward?

A dream bigger than myself

For me, this is not just a personal dream.

There is a message:

That it's never too late to bet
That dancing is a top sport
That will and passion can carry you further than age and fear
That we can put Norway on the map in the biggest Bachata World Championship in the world.

I dance for those of you who have known the feeling of being:

“too old”
“too late”
“too much”

As a dance coach, I know how powerfully dance can change us – both physically, mentally and emotionally.

I dance for those of us who have had responsibility for a long time – and who now feel the calling to choose ourselves.

Do you recognize anything in this? Maybe it's time for it to be your turn now.

What might you have put off – because you thought it was too late?

What would you do if you knew you could start over now?

In = SPORT

It's more than dance. It's strength, will and vitality – in movement.

Dance at the World Championship level is not just about expression and rhythm.

It's training, strategy and performance. Just like a marathon runner trains for endurance, I train for:

Strength and mobility
Choreography and timing
Balance, breathing and body control
Stage expression and mental presence

Dancing is a sport – and I train accordingly.

I have classes with professional dance coaches every week, as well as my own training in strength, flexibility, mental focus and recovery. One of them is Jazzy Ruiz, double world champion in Salsa and founder of "Jazzy Ruiz Style". Together we develop a choreography that challenges me and showcases my unique style on stage.

The difference from other sports? Many people think of dance as entertainment – but this is not a show-off driven by ego. This is purposeful performance, where body and mind are trained like in any other top sport.

I convey everything through movement, music – and a smile that hides blood, sweat and tears.

What do you think of when you hear the word "top sport"?

That's why I need support.

All the money raised goes towards everything needed to perform on the big stage in Mexico: dance coaching, training, flights, hotels, costumes, videos, photos, makeup, courses and more.

My budget is approximately 60,000 NOK, and it covers, among other things:

– Training and coaching in Spain and Norway

– Flights, accommodation and participation fee

– Costumes, stage equipment, photo and video

– Hall rental, recovery and general preparations

I know that it costs money to bet big – and I take all my responsibility seriously.

I invest time, effort and my own funds – and I do the job. Every single day.

This is not a prayer for alms.

This is an invitation to be part of something bigger.

Just like other athletes at the World Championships, I need support to be able to perform – and inspire.

Have you ever stood on the threshold of something big – and knew you couldn't do it alone?

Join the journey

Everyone who supports gets access to a closed group:

Team Amelia – The Road to the World Cup

Here I share glimpses from the journey, the training routine, the challenges and ups. You'll see sweat, laughter, coping and behind-the-scenes moments.

And because I want to be completely open about my journey, I'm also posting a simple and transparent accounting in the group - so you can always see how the funds are being spent. You're most welcome to join.