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Dancers from Talbot Dance Academy were not short of awards in September, picking up multiple trophies in two competitions.
A total of 17 girls from the Talbot Dance Academy (TDA) in Warkworth gained a top three placing at competitions in a variety of dance types recently.The girls competed in the Northland Performing Arts Competition on September 17 and 18 and the Te Awamutu Annual Festival of Performing Arts on September 27 and 28.
“There is a very high standard of competition among Auckland dancers which makes it a challenge for competitors,” Academy director and teacher Carla Talbot says.
“To receive a first, second or third place is a big achievements, especially when you’re against 15 to 20 students.”
At the Northland event, nine dancers, aged 13 to 17, made up the TDA advanced troupe, which came first in the contemporary section.
Abby Murphy, 13, was first in four categories of ballet, second in demi-character, the highest points scorer by age group and most promising classical dancer.
Eight other dancers managed top three placings at the event, with Charlotte Callender winning top points scorer for her age group.
“The youngest students were training about four times a week in the lead up to the competitions and the older students up to 13 hours a week in the studio, and extra solo practises throughout the week,” Carla says.
At Te Awamutu competition, Abby Murphy again fared well, winning seven placings, including three firsts and a scholarship.
Abbie Lethbridge was second and third in ballet.
“We have two more competitions left this year to work towards and public performance events in the lead up to Christmas.”
The end of year show will be held at Mahurangi College on December 16 and 17.
