Dakota Mitchell, 11 from Swansea is set to perform live for Britain’s Got Talent as she cleared the first stage of its auditions
Since she’s found out about her live audition for Britain’s Got Talent, Dakota has turned to practicing anywhere she can to prepare for it(Image: Clare-Anna Mitchell)
An eleven-year-old schoolgirl is set to wow judges at Britain’s Got Talent, after clearing the first stage of auditions through video submission. Dakota Mitchell is set to start in year 7 at Bishopston Comprehensive School in Swansea this year.
However, soon after she will be heading to London to dance in front of a judge list that could include Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. Meanwhile, rumours have been circulating that KSI might be replacing Bruno Tonioli in the next edition of the show.
For Dakota, who is autistic, has ADHD, and suffers from chronic abdominal pain, performing in Britain’s Got Talent means a lot more than just dancing.
“I think I’ve learned a lot about my autism and ADHD already, and through my performance, I hope people see that being neurodivergent isn’t something that holds you back — it can actually be a superpower,” she said.
“I want others like me to feel proud of who they are, and I hope my dancing shows that we’re capable of amazing things. If even one person watches and feels more confident in themselves, then that means everything to me.”
Dakota is no stranger to dancing, and has been dancing ever since she was very young(Image: Clare-Anna Mitchell)
For Dakota, dancing is a medium to express herself. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
“I love it because how I feel, I can dance through it. Express myself,” she explained.
Her mother Clare-Anna Mitchell, 43 chimes in: “Dakota always moves. Since she’s been a baby she hasn’t stopped moving.
“With ADHD she needs stimulation all the time so we just thought dancing’s like a really good way of channelling that energy and she took to it, loved it, and she dances all the time now.”
Dakota wants to raise awareness about neurodivergence, and motivate others with the same conditions as her(Image: Clare-Anna Mitchell)
Dakota added: “The stage is where I feel alive. I love the rush of performing and sharing that energy with people watching.”
The audition that got her through to the live performance stage itself was an emotive piece based on the 9/11 tragedy in the United States of America.
“It’s based on the 9/11 attack in America, and obviously that is a really emotional piece of dance to do,” Clare said.
Dakota got the idea for the performance after seeing a documentary on TV, her mother explained as she added: “The emotion that she brings through that dance is incredible and she doesn’t just do the moves like some other children may do.
“She acts through every single movement, she knows exactly what every single movement means and for someone so young, I think that is what is so special about Dakota.”
Dakota’s mother explained that a lot of work goes behind the scene to help the young performer overcome her health challenges(Image: Clare-Anna Mitchell)
For now, Dakota’s focus is just on her performance in front of the judges, on September 6.
She continues to prepare with her teachers at RAIE Copp Academy, who Clare says have been instrumental in Dakota’s progress.
“I’ve been working really hard to get ready for my audition,” Dakota said.
“I’ve been learning new routines with my dance teacher, Mel at RAIE Copp Academy and we’ve been spending loads of time in the studio. I also practise every day in the garden — honestly, I dance everywhere I go!”
Dakota is especially looking forward to meeting presenters Ant and Dec, and judge Simon, when she’s finally in London.
“When I finally meet the judges, I just want to say thank you for this amazing opportunity,” she said.
“It means the world to me to be here and to perform on a stage like this. I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I hope you enjoy what I’ve prepared!”