There's a reason why we place so much importance on children being active and involved in sport from a young age.

Of course it's great to be healthy and have a whole load of fun at the same time but the life lessons to be learned can be absolutely invaluable for young people.

10 year old Ruby Holt and her Mum, Karina, learn many awesome life skills while travelling to perform and have an absolute blast while they're at it.

Ruby is this month's winner of Medals of The Month and here is her story.

“My name is Ruby and I am 10 years old. My love of dance began when mum enrolled me for ballet and tap classes at the age of four, although I believe I was dancing around the house well before then.

At the age of 5, my teacher asked me if I would like to dance at an Eisteddfod. Mum said I didn’t even hesitate to say yes. My mum drove me two hours to perform my two minute dance solo on stage. I think my mum was more nervous than me, but I came off the stage buzzing with excitement asking when I could do it again. The stage became my happy place and dancing and performing became my passion. 

I now take weekly classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and acro. I belong to the same wonderful studio with my amazing teachers who have been with me every step of the way.

I enjoy dancing in the studio with my friends, and I love performing both locally and at competitions. Living in a country town means that we have to travel to compete at competitions and eisteddfods, but that’s all part of the fun of it.

Winning medals is great, but it is so much more than that. Dance has taught me so many wonderful life lessons. I have learnt to be persistent, to work hard and to set goals. I have learnt to bounce back after disappointments, to be courageous and try new things, and the importance of being a kind, supportive and respectful team mate and competitor.

I will take these skills with me wherever I go in life.”