Top aim for dancers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 29, 15 December 1987, Page 7

Top aim for dancers

Another success story to the credit of the Joy Wilson School of Dance is that of Waiouru youngster Christabel Laracy - the second dancer from the school to be accepted into the Royal New Zealand School of Ballet. Thirteen-year old Christabel has danced with the school ever since coming to the Waimarino seven years ago. From a seven year old in grade one, she blossomed into a talented ballet and jazz dancer and recently attained her intermediate grade in both dance categories. Christabel was one of 40

dance pupils from around the country to audition for the School of Dance's 1988 intake of Dance and Education students. Only three were accepted by the School. A large number also auditioned for fulltime dance positions - one such dancer being former Ohakune artiste Lisa Norling, who was also accepted for a second year with the School. Lisa's first year was spent as a dance and education student and she recently finished secondary school to take up dancing full-time. The opportunity also means a move for Christabel, who will begin Form Four at Wellington High School. The move was necessary to be nearer to the dance school. Acccp-

tance also signals a lot more work, including two hours practice every school day and during weekends. Christabel is adamant she wants to be a prima ballerina and is determined to reach the top of her chosen career. Doing so means many years of trialling and passing yearly exams for continued acceptance into the school. Dancers of her age can expect to make Principal Dancer, if they are good enough, by their midtwenties. Next year, Christabel will be concentrating on 'starting again', which involves learning dance steps right from grade one, as taught by the New Zealand School of Dance.