Rosemount teen Molly Pascoe set for world stage in Blackpool
For the Molly Pascoe, the chance to compete in Blackpool is a dream realised – and just the beginning.
A Rosemount teenager is preparing to represent Australia on one of the biggest stages in international ballroom dancing – and she’s taking the Sunshine Coast with her.
Fourteen-year-old Molly Pascoe will compete at the World DanceSport Federation’s annual festival in Blackpool, England this month, placing her among a select group of young Australians chosen to compete internationally.
In the lead-up, Molly was joined by Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli at Templeton Dance Studio in Eumundi, where she gave the Mayor a quick cha-cha lesson in front of TV and news cameras.
“It all started when I was really young,” Molly said. “I came to the studio when I was 8 years old and there weren't any kids classes, so I danced with the adults.
“I remember learning my first cha-cha. It was amazing. Then it just went on from there.”
Molly now trains every day and has developed a strong passion for Latin styles.
“Right now I love Latin – probably rumba – because you really feel the emotion,” she said.
Her selection for Blackpool came as an unexpected opportunity.
“It really just got offered to me by Luke Brown and we took the chance for a really good experience that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” she said.
“I’m so honoured… it’s hard to explain in words how much it means to me.”
DanceSport Australia general secretary Luke Brown said Molly representing her country was a significant moment for both the region and the sport.
“For the Sunshine Coast, this is big,” he said. “Often the capital cities get all the glory, but our homegrown heroes are often from regional areas.
“We’re really excited about how much dance sport is growing, particularly here on the Sunshine Coast.”
Mayor Natoli said it was inspiring to see young people striving for excellence.
“What a fantastic opportunity,” she said. “How wonderful to have our young people aspiring to be the best.
“Anything we can do to support and encourage someone doing this is well worth it.”
Molly said she hoped more people would consider taking up ballroom dancing.
“It’s really elegant and has a style to it,” she said. “It’s something that not a lot of people realise is really big — and it would be good to support it.”
For the young dancer, the chance to compete in Blackpool is a dream realised – and just the beginning.
How to watch Molly dance at Blackpool
The link for the livestream can be found on the World Dancesport Federation website. The event is the WDSF Dancesport Festival in Blackpool, UK, 25th to 29th March 2026. Molly will be dancing on Thursday 26th in the Junior II category. Molly will be wearing the latin dress which she is wearing in these photos.
As she prepares to travel to England, Molly is also sharing her journey online, encouraging the community to follow along and get behind her. Instagram - Ballroom with Molly. The dance schedule will be posted on Molly’s instagram page.
Meet Molly + School Holiday Dancing
Come and meet Molly at the studio on Tuesday 7th April. You can dance will Molly! There are ballroom dance lessons each week. Tuesday 4.30-5.20pm for children and Tuesday 6.30-7.20pm for adults. Your first lesson is FREE. Molly would be delighted to show you around and introduce you to the joy of ballroom dancing!
• Templeton Ballroom Dancing, 651 Bunya Road, Eumundi. Please reserve your place in the class on 5227 8780.
