Sport
20 January, 2023
FNQ dance talent showcased on national stage
TALENT, dedication, and months of hard work has paid off for a team of 26 dancers and their teachers from FNQ Dance Academy, who competed in the Evolution Nationals last week.
FNQ Dance Academy’s troupe performances at Evolution Nationals on the Gold Coast (January 8-15) secured a swag of awards, including four first places across a variety of dance styles and genres.
Competing against the best in Australia and overseas (troupes travelling from as far afield as New Zealand and the UK), the FNQ Dance Academy students between 12 and 17 years of age performed seven troupe dances in the 15 years and under category on Saturday, January 14, at RACV Royal Pines Resort.
FNQ Dance Academy Principal Sarah Thorne said she was immensely proud of the maturity shown by her dancers, whose combined focus and teamwork provided the perfect stage for an exceptional and memorable competition experience.
“While recognition is a bonus at any competition, the most important rewards are those won through incredible teamwork, new experiences, improvement and inspiration,” Ms Thorne said.
Students and dance schools were required to qualify at one of several regional competitions held across Australia during 2022 to be able to compete at Evolution Nationals.
According to Ms Thorne, FNQ Dance Academy troupes and soloists competing at the Evolution Nationals were required to achieve an adjudication score of 80 and above at the event held at St Andrews College, Redlynch, in July 2022.
FNQ Dance Academy’s results at Evolution Nationals on Saturday, January 14, 2023, as follows:
• Lyrical 15 & U: Special Mention
• Ballet 15 & U: First
• Contemporary 15 & U: Third
• Production Group 15 & U: First (Cabaret)
• Song & Dance 15 & U: First
• Tap 15 & U: First
• Jazz 15 & U: Second
The competition did not stop there, with the highest-scoring groups and soloists from throughout the week performing in a Grand Final showcase on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at which FNQ Dance Academy performed its highest-scoring jazz troupe, Britney, culminating in the Judges’ Award; winning a custom dance mix from the team at Soundmoda (1-2 hour dance mix edit project).
Ms Thorne added that every one of the eight dancers performing a range of solo genres in their age divisions secured top-five placings and special mentions.
According to organisers, approximately 750 dancers from 134 dance studios (118 Australia, 15 New Zealand and one UK) converged at RACV Royal Pines for a high voltage week of dance and competition from ages five and under to 21 years and over.
For more information, visit: www.evolutiondancecomp.com
