It was a big occasion at her first world championships in China in 2006.
Bass (19), a history and geography student at Auckland University, followed the advice of her coaches Dianne and Angela McMillan when she finished fourth in the girls aged 12 to 14 grade.
She still gets that tingling feeling when the nerves kick in before major competitions but has learned to control her emotions.
Bass quells her nerves by "finding the energy and knowing that what I've done in training is what I will be ableto do on the stage".
"I try to relax and know that everything will be OK."
Her coaches have always placed an importance on the mental side of competition.
"I have grown up with that as part of my training," she said. "It is integrated into all the work we do."
Bass is getting used to international competition and finished 12th in the girls aged 15-17 grade world championships in France in 2010.
This year she competed in the senior ranks for the first time and came 15thThe next world championships are in 2014 but next year she will compete in World Cup events in France and Japan.
Bass started gymnastics at the age of 7 and has specialised in aerobics since the age of 12.
"I thought there would be more opportunities in aerobics in New Zealand," she said.
"I loved it and I was a bit better at it than the other gym sports." What does she like about it?
"Just the energy and the people who are in it," she said.
"I have made so many friends overseas.
"We have grown up together and I see them at each international competition.
"They all have a passion for the sport."
Bass won her seventh New Zealand individual gold medal at the Lion Foundation Arena yesterday when she retained her senior women's title.
Bass achieved her goal of becoming a serious international competitor by training hard.
"You need a passion for it or you won't have the motivation to keep working at it," she said.
Her coaches organise the choreography for the 1min 30sec routines used in competitions.
"But I get a say about the music and the choreography, as well," Bass said.
"I've loved every single routine I've had."
Charlotte Bass
At a glance
Age: 19.
Home town: Auckland.
Education: McLean College, Auckland University.
Sport: Aerobics.
Record
NZ titles: Seven. (senior titles 2011, 2012).
World championships: 4th age 12 to 14 (2006), 12th age 15 to 17 (2010), 15th senior women's (2012).
