South Australia’s best up and coming dancer competition: Voting now open

From hip hop and jazz to ballet and acrobatics, the stage is set for the state’s best up and coming dancer. Voting is open with 60+ finalists vying for the title.

Mya, 12, at En Pointe Ballet School Picture: RoyVPhotography.

From ballerinas to hip-hoppers, dancers know how to light up a stage and enchant audiences with their beautiful dance moves.

The Advertiser is on the lookout to crown South Australia’s best dancer and when we called out for nominations, proud parents and teachers of tiny dancers from all around the state sure did delivered.

We’ve already met the dedicated Mya Woodford, read her story below and Edward Liebelt who has been described as SA’s own Billy Elliot.

After receiving nearly 100 entries it is time to reveal our talented finalists and get voting.

To vote, select the image of the dancer you think deserves the top title and click ‘submit vote’.

Voting will close on Wednesday, October 9 at 8am and the winner will be announced at a later date.

You must be a subscriber to vote. Only one vote per voter allowed.

Find the full terms and conditions here.

Could Mya Woodford be SA’s best dancer?

Mya Woodford dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

Each week, she spends hours at En Pointe Ballet School. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

Mya Woodford has been dancing since she was two years old when her mum signed her up for baby ballet and dreams of becoming a professional dancer or a dance teacher.

Over the years she has also taken the stage in hip-hop, musical theatre, jazz and contemporary spending four hours a week at dance school with no intention of slowing down.

“I like dancing the most because you can express your emotions through dance,” the 12-year-old said.

“I also like dancing because of all the support and encouragement you get from all your friends and families and teachers.

“It’s also a great way to get your exercise in.”

Mya has been a student of Sarah Jones from En Pointe Ballet School throughout the entirety of her dance education.

“I enjoy dancing with Miss Sarah because she’s an amazing teacher and a great role model and she just inspires me to keep going,” the rising star said.

With her teacher’s guidance, Mya has completed a range of ballet exams through the Cecchetti syllabus and has consistently achieved honours marks.

“Doing exams is a good way to see your improvement and it pushes you to be the best version of yourself so if I practice and practice, I know there will probably be a good outcome,” she said.

“Next year, I will hopefully do the Cecchetti medal competition.”