Abbey Duckworth | Why Confidence Comes After You Take the Leap

Andrew sits down with **Abbey Duckworth** to explore the journey from elite competitive cheerleading to making a musical theatre debut in *Bring It On*. Abbey reflects on discovering cheer as a young teenager, overcoming anxiety and self-doubt, and how the sport gave her confidence, lifelong friendships, and a sense of belonging that shaped who she is today. She shares what life as an elite cheerleader is really like, from years of intense training and international competitions in the UK and New Zealand to the physical and mental resilience required behind every performance. Abbey also challenges common misconceptions about cheerleading, revealing the technical skill, teamwork, and discipline that audiences often overlook. The conversation follows Abbey's transition into musical theatre, where she opens up about stepping into an unfamiliar world alongside experienced performers. She talks about embracing the discomfort of being a beginner again, the welcoming community she found within the theatre industry, and why learning new skills has reignited her passion for performing. At its heart, this episode is about having the courage to start something new, finding confidence through community, and discovering that it's never too late to pursue the creative path you've always imagined.