Dancer shines on national stage
Invercargill dancer Bella Robert has a lot to think about for her wide-open future.
The 18-year-old recently returned from the Kairos Dance Convention in Auckland with a long list of scholarships for the United States and Australia, acceptance into several programmes and classes, and a job offer teaching in Tauranga.
She is the first Southlander to receive the huge amount of prizes at the convention.
Robert was awarded a $60,000 scholarship to AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in New York or Los Angeles for four years, a 2019 full time course placement at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance in Melbourne (including $100 for the first month of fees), early acceptance into 2019 Dance Force Full Time Programme in New South Wales, early acceptance into 2019 Ev & Bow full time course in New South Wales, Debbie Reynolds Legacy
Studio five class passes worth $90 in North Hollywood, Edge Performing Arts Centre 20 class passes in Los Angeles, Millennium Dance Complex Los Angeles five class passes worth $120, a Tyne Stecklein scholarship for US$200 off a summer intensive session for 2018-2019 (including $400 towards travel), and offered a teaching position in Tauranga.
‘‘I was in tears when I was awarded it [the $60,000 scholarship].
‘‘Kairos has just given me my future. I had to work hard for it but in 45 mins it was just there.
‘‘I was shocked, coming all the way from Invercargill it’s not expected at all,’’ she said.
‘‘I don’t think the dancers in Invercargill are celebrated enough.’’ The convention, held during the school holidays, pushed her to tears with sore muscles and bloodied feet, but ‘‘if you want it, you’ll make it happen’’ Robert told herself.
‘‘If you don’t want it enough you won’t push through the pain.’’
International tutors from the United States and Australia, some who had worked with Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and Cher, choreographed dances, spoke to and judged dancers during the two day convention, Robert said.
‘‘It was really awesome. They were just cool people, full of advice and inspiring. Watching them dance was amazing.’’
Her future was still open while she focused on finishing out her school year at Southland Girls’ High School, she said. No decisions on where or what she would pursue next year were decided yet.
‘‘I’m just excited and everyone’s been so helpful.’’
The convention, held in Auckland and Wellington, was about bringing dancers from across the country together, to learn and be inspired by international tutors, Clelland said.