Ballet bridges generation gap
Mother and daughter Sara and Jemima Scott, share more than just their DNA and a love of dance.
Last week they discovered Sara’s name on a selection of dance trophies won by Jemima several decades ago.
Taking a closer look, they found a third connection – Jemima’s teacher, Paula Hunt, is also on several of the trophies.
‘‘It was very exciting when we saw Paula’s name on one as well,’’ Sara said.
All together Jemima won 10 trophies at the Hutt Valley performing arts competitions last week.
It wasn’t until she got home that she realised her mother’s name was on five of the trophies.
Sara won the awards in 1979, when she was 14. She gave up dance when she was 18. Now, she teaches children.
She said finding the connection meant a lot to her.
‘‘It brings back lots of memories. They were good times when we all danced together,’’ Sara said.
Jemima is just 12 and in year 8 at Tawa Intermediate, but she has a promising future in dance.
‘‘She’s far better. I was never anywhere near her standard,’’ Sara said.
Last year, Jemima was accepted into the Australian Ballet School’s development programme.
She is also in the New Zealand School of Dance’s development programme.
She has three older brothers, but since they left home a room has been dedicated to her dancing, complete with a barre.
Jemima said her dream was to be a professional dancer with a company.
She is fundraising for her trips to the Australian Ballet School development programme.
To help, visit givealittle.co.nz/ cause/jemimamelbourne.