An 11-year-old dance sensation from Trinidad and Tobago is poised to make her mark on the global stage following a spectacular debut performance at the All Dance World Championships in Orlando. Veronica Callender, a student at Newtown Girls’ RC School, achieved the remarkable feat of securing dual victories in the Dancehall and Afro dance categories within the All New Dancer division for ages 11-14 last April.
The young prodigy, representing both her nation and the Lil Angel of Dance academy, demonstrated extraordinary talent during her first international competition and overseas journey. Despite initial challenges with complex choreography crafted by her instructor Roxanne Augustine-Charles, Callender’s perseverance transformed uncertainty into confidence through rigorous training.
Her pre-performance strategy involves mentally transforming the stage into her personal dance space, eliminating nervousness by imagining herself dancing alone in her room. This psychological technique proved effective until the awards ceremony, where anxious moments turned to exhilaration as she discovered her dual victories.
Beyond the competition, Callender embraced cultural exchange, introducing international peers to Trinidadian culture while experiencing American fast food and shopping. Her triumph has unlocked an invitation to the International Dance Open in Italy, where she aims to replicate her success.
The journey to Italy requires substantial financial backing, prompting Lil Angel of Dance to seek corporate and public sponsorship. Callender balances her dance career with academic commitments at Newtown Girls’ RC School and musical involvement in the TT Cadet Force Steel Orchestra and Highlanders Junior Steel Orchestra.
With six years of dance experience spanning Dance Dynamix of TT and her current academy, Callender specializes in Dance Hall, Afrobeats, Reggaeton and Hip hop, while expressing interest in exploring traditional Indian dance. As preparations intensify for the 2026 competition, the young ambassador anticipates Italian cuisine and cultural exploration alongside her competitive objectives.