A six-year-old Yarrabilba dancer was crowned 2018 Mini National Champion Dancer in Melbourne last month.
This achievement comes after Holly Kenyon competed at the 2018 National Dance Championships Follow Your Dreams Competition in Melbourne from January 3 to 9, 2019.
She qualified for the national championship after winning the title of Brisbane Regional Mini Champion dancer last year.
Kenyon’s impressive dancing skills impressed the national audience and led to national championship titles for song and tap, jazz (no tricks), own choreography and open (demi character) in the under five age category.
She was declared runner up for the song and dance and ballet categories, placed third in lyrical and fourth in jazz.
After facing off in the Gala Finale Event for the 2018 Mini National Champion crown, Kenyon was awarded with a crown, sash, trophy and over $2000.
She was also awarded the title of Fire Cracker Dancer out of all junior competitors.
Kenyon said she was happy and surprised to have won the national title.
“...There were so many amazing and talented dancers,” she said.
“I love meeting new people and also catching up with other friends that I’ve made through dance all around the country. I also really love getting to do what I love on stage.”
Holly’s father, Ben Kenyon, said Holly lived and breathed for dancing since the age of three.
“She just loves dancing so much that when she performs, she transforms from this humble, polite child to a little rocket who dances with emotion and feeling beyond her years,” he said.
“Holy made the trip down to Melbourne from Yarrabilba with her family to compete against the best dancers from all over Australia and New Zealand...”
“Holly had a very busy schedule dancing in eight solo sections and successfully placed in all of them.”
Ms Kenyon dances at Strictly Dance Studios and trains five days per week.
She said dancing would play an important role in her future.
“I would like to be part of a musical stage show and one day be a dance teacher to help other people to be the best dancer they can be,” she said.
“It makes me really happy when others are happy.”
Holly competed in her first solo competition at the age of four.
She has a broad dance skill set and is accomplished in the styles of ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, acro, tap and singing.
Holly also plays a prominent role in her dance studio’s performing team.