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A 10-year-old from Millwater, Raven Advincula, has been selected to represent NZ with the Black Stars team at an international performing arts championship later this year.
The competition, at Anaheim Disneyland, Los Angeles, will be the 26th annual World Championships of Performing Arts. More than 60 countries will send teams to compete for medals as well as the chance to be seen on an international stage and take part in workshops.
The categories include acting, singing and dancing and Raven enjoys all three, but will compete as a solo vocalist.
Her mother Cherrie says they discovered Raven’s love of performing when she unexpectedly jumped on the Chinese Lantern Festival’s karaoke stage at the age of three and sang a song from Moana.
Since then her passion for the stage has grown. She has been in the Auckland Performing Arts Academy since 2018 and has performed in a number of shows as well as at fundraising and church events.
The Carmel College Year 7 student was born in the Philippines and moved to NZ with her family when she was aged 1.
She says pop music and Broadway Musicals are her favourites – her repertoire includes songs by Adele.
“When I sing, I feel free,” Raven says.
Every competitor must pay their own way, so after her selection was confirmed, just a few weeks ago, the huge task of fundraising to get Raven to the competition began. The event is in July.
To support Raven, visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/raven-goes-to-hollywood Info on the competition: www.wcopa.com
