Two medals for DDF
Kaikohe’s DDF Dance Studio (based in Kerikeri) has made its international debut, representing New Zealand at the World Supremacy Battle Grounds in Sydney — the biggest dance competition in the Southern Hemisphere — and has two medals to show for it.
DDF had four entries, taking the stage against opposition from the Philippines, Canada, Singapore and Australia, with studio owner Alannah Curtis, the only female in her category, winning bronze in the adult solo division. Her 11-year-old daughter, Shaylah Harris, went one better, winning silver in the solo junior division.
Alexis King (10) and Peyton Baker were there too, competing against adults.
Alannah said it had been an amazing journey and experience for the students.
“Getting to this level of dance is not easy,” she said.
“It takes a lot to be willing to train at an adult level, to achieve greater fitness and to gain a substantial dance routine that will get you a high score to place. And it takes a lot of experience to be able to compete at this level. These kids got up at 5am to train twice a week at Toa Boxing in Kawakawa to work on their fitness and prepare for the competition, on top of all the training hours.”
The DDF crew were members of the studio’s Diva Academy, which performed at and support all manner of local events, Alannah saying she wanted to thank the community for its support.
“The kids had an absolutely amazing time in Australia, competing on the stage at the semifinals and finals,” she said. “We are over the moon with all our results. for all our entries.
“We would also like to offer a special thank you to our manager, Michele Curtis, who put her heart and soul into making sure we were well prepared and organised for this competition, and for the endless voluntary hours she put into the team.”