BORN TO dance
Peregian Springs teen is taking the dance world by storm with awards in NZ and a future stint with London’s Royal Ballet
Alfie Shacklock is taking the dance world by storm.
ALFIE Shacklock looks like any typical 14-year-old in his school uniform. But when he puts on his dancing shoes and steps onto the stage, there’s absolutely nothing typical about Alfie.
In just a few short years, he’s already made his mark in the world of dancing.
With recent success at the Alana Haines Australasian Awards in Wellington, New Zealand, in April, a one-week training scholarship at the Panz Academy in Zurich, Switzerland, in May and an upcoming summer school at London’s Royal Ballet, you could say Alfie is following his feet and talent.
“I started dancing when I was four, so I have been dancing for 10 years.”
“I love being able to perform on stage and the hard work.”
A student at The Dance Centre Peregian Springs, Alfie was mentored by much loved dancer Jack Floyd who died in April aged 102.
“(Jack) was really kind and had lots of knowledge,” Aflie said.
Co-director Deborah Preece-Brocksom said Mr Floyd left a lasting impression on many students.
“He was the school’s greatest asset,” Ms Preece-Brocksom said.
“Right up to the end, he had a connection with the dance school.”
“We were like a ballet family without the blood line.” And it seemed Mr Floyd had a soft spot for young Alfie. “The last thing he said to me before he died was, ‘I know Alfie will do well in New Zealand, I know’,” Ms Preece-Brocksom said.
Call it intuition, but Alfie came away from the Alana Haines Australasian Awards as the overall winner for audience choice in the supreme section and won the Gailene Stock award.
“Gailene Stock was the wife of Gary Norman, an Australian ballet dancer who Jack taught.”
Alfie trains 25 hours a week and this year began home schooling to concentrate on his dancing.
Dad Ian said he was proud of his son’s hard work. “He has found something he loves,” Mr Shacklock said.
“He works hard and he deserves it. It’s always nice to see your child succeed.”
Alfie said he was grateful for the support and encouragement from his teachers, family and friends. “I am very lucky to have them,” he said.
With his sights set on a dancing future, Alfie said he would continue to work hard to follow his passion.
My dream is to be a professional dancer in the Royal Ballet