Parents proud of humble dancer
Gabrielle Cabauatan may have won more than 100 trophies since she started dancing competitively in 2014, but you won’t see her parents bragging about it on Facebook.
‘‘What we admire the most is her humility; most parents put all their children’s achievements on Facebook but she doesn’t really like that,’’ her mum Maria said.
The 10-year-old has had another big achievement – she won the Pride award for creativity in the junior section – at a ceremony on October 16.
‘‘The values and her attitude are the important part of the journey,’’ Maria said.
The Ss Peter and Paul School student balances homework and 14 hours a week of dance training.
‘‘Sometime I skip parties because I would rather be dancing,’’ she said.
She started learning ballet when she was three-years-old, tap in February 2014 and began competing in ballet and tap events in May 2014.
As a member of Filifest Cultural Dance Group she promotes Philippine culture and heritage and has performed in cultural events and fundraising events.
All her outfits are donated by the community or dance teachers.
‘‘We see people fussing with their new costumes and she is in old costumes but she knows that what is important is what’s inside,’’ her mum said.
In her dancing bag is always a rosary and a picture of Jesus. ’’Every time she wins she thanks God.’’
She no longer gets nervous before she dances, even when she has performed at parliament, but her parents said they did.
The Filipino girl performed there for the 50th anniversary of NZPhilippines diplomatic relations and will perform there over Labour Weekend as part of a Filipino event that is hosted in different parts of the country each year.
Maria described her daughter as courageous for often competing against up to 34 dancers, where she didn’t know anyone.
Gabrielle, who has added jazz to her repertoire, one day wants to start her own dance school for under-privileged children.
The dance competitions had made the family, which included son Angelo, 12, closer, Maria said.
Gabrielle was the only talented dancer in the Epuni-based family – ‘‘Dad tries to dance’’ – although they had caught Angelo trying out a few steps too but he would rather focus on his studies.
Her parents were fundraising through bake sales and sausage sizzles so Gabrielle could compete at a showcase competition in Australia in January. If anyone wants to donate contact them on 027 571 2825.
The Pride Awards, which were established in 2010, encourage communities to take pride in people aged 5-17-years-old who are often unrecognised for their successes in the Greater Wellington Region.