Ballet success

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 11, 14 August 1984, Page 2

Ballet success

Lisa Norling of Ohakune (pictured) gained an Honours in the classical ballet Elementary Examination she undertook a fortnight ago. She and three other girls — two from Taihape and one from Bulls — were examined for their Elementary grading in Taihape by the British Ballet Organisation's examiner, Miss P. Wilson from Lancashisre, who is presently touring New Zealand. Miss Wilson also examined about 40 other young ballet dancers from Ohakune, Raetihi and National Park — all pupils of Mrs Joy Wilson (no relation) of Taihape — for other grades but the Elementary is the highest attained so far in this area. Thirteen-year old Lisa, who has been studying ballet for the past years, has passed all her junior and preliminary exams in earlier years and, last year, was successful in her preElementary exam. Next year she will be aiming for her Intermediate and after that it will be preadvanced, Advanced and then the highest grading in ballet, known as Solo Seal.

In the past Lisa has had many other recreational interests and hobbies but has now decided to concentrate on her dancing ... both classical ballet and modern dance. Petite and feminine, Lisa even played school soceer until last year when she fractured an arm in collision with another player ... "a large boy!" She also enjoyed skiing but suffered a back injury in a fall last season and has decided to forego this activity in favour of her dancing. However she still practises piano and, according to her mother Mrs Colleen Norling, she has become very involved with her school work since she started as a Third Former at Ruapehu College this year. Lisa is also very much a 'family' girl and enjoys being with her aunts and uncles and sharing other activities with her cousins, said Mrs Norling. By limiting herself to dancing and piano study she hopes to have more time free for family functions and fun. Last week she took her Modern Dance examination but won't know the result for a little while yet.