Newtown woman aims for Miss Wales title

A Newtown dancer and model is to represent Powys at this week’s Miss Wales competition.

Shelley Ann, who runs her own dance school in Newtown and teaches dance as well as modelling, will be at the Miss Wales finals in Cardiff between and the 6 and 8 April.

Shelley, who has enjoyed dancing since an early age, will be up against other contestants from throughout Wales for the title which then leads to the Miss UK and Miss World competitions.

“I’m super excited for this event as it has completely taken me out of my comfort zone,” said 21-year-old Shelley.

“I never thought I would have the courage to enter into a pageant. Ever since I was a young girl, my mind has been fixated on dance. However, over the past year I have challenged myself to get involved in new adventures, and so here I am, a Miss Wales finalist.

“Entering Miss Wales competition has been one of the most fulfilling achievements to date, I have met so many kind people throughout my journey in the competition and I can’t express enough how grateful I am of their support.”

She added: “So far throughout my pageant journey, I have been to visit my old primary school to speak to the pupils about their hopes, dreams and ambitions for their future. They were incredibly welcoming and asked plenty of questions about my dreams as a child.

“My response to them was “as a young girl I dreamt that one day I would own my own successful Dance School" I then continued to explain to them that with hard work and determination I am now living that dream.”

Shelley has been fundraising as part of her journey.

“I have recently been able to host a Charity Bingo "Fab Feb Fundraiser" which raised £500.31 for Beauty With A Purpose. I was lucky enough to have the assistance of a few volunteer students from my Dance School to help with the stalls/raffles at the bingo event.

“In addition to the school visits and fundraising, I have also been to visit a canine shelter to donate valuable items, such as toys/blankets/etc, which they were extremely grateful of.”

Shelley said: “One of the most rewarding activities I have been involved in recently is volunteering at two local primary schools, sharing my talent and abilities to choreograph dance routines for the pupils to compete with at the Urdd Eisteddfod.

“I have been lucky enough to work with such amazing pupils who have improved not only in their dance skills but their self-esteem and confidence too. The night of the competition was very emotional and overwhelming for myself and the pupils as they were given five 1st places, three 2nd places and are now through to the Urdd Eisteddfod finals, which means - not only am I representing Powys, they are too.”

People can vote for Shelley by texting to support her.

"The time has flown so quickly and its now less than a week until the Miss wales finals therefore there's still time left to vote for me to be crowned Miss Wales 2017. I am honoured to be representing Powys in the competition. I would be extremely grateful if members of the public could get behind me and show their support.

“To vote for me to be crowned Miss Wales 2017 please text "Welsh Shelley" to 64 343. Voters must be over 18 and have the bill payer’s permission. Votes made outside this voting period will not be counted but you may still be charged. Each text vote will cost £1 plus standard network charge. “

Shelley added: “I entered into the Miss Wales competition to show that I am living proof that if you set your goal, work hard and be ambitious, you can do anything! I hope to inspire other young girls and boys to be determined, have a passion and be the best they can possibly be.”