Bowen’s Kilani Uerata in the running to perform with Queensland Ballet in December

A young Bowen ballet dancer has her fingers and twinkle-toes crossed that a stunning image her mum captured will set her on a path to national stardom.

Kilani Uerata’s entry for the 2021 Suncorp Dream Big Challenge features the eight year old performing a leg hold at Spring Creek, Bowen. Picture: Supplied

A young Bowen dancer is hoping a stunning photograph featuring a north Queensland waterfall will land her in the spotlight on a national stage.

Kilani Uerata, 8, could win a walk-on role in Queensland Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker in December, thanks to an incredible image showcasing her passion for dance in a breathtaking natural setting.

Kilani’s mum, Kylie Richards, took the photo for Suncorp’s Dream Big Challenge, which encourages dancers aged five to 13 years to show off their best move in front of their favourite Queensland backdrop.

In her submission, Kilani wrote how she loves to do the ‘leg-hold’ pose everywhere she goes, but the top of a gushing waterfall was pretty hard to beat.

“My mum captures this pose in all different spots. This one is my favourite,” she wrote.

Cristina Lee, from Airlie Beach, pictured performing her big move at Cannonvale Beach. The 13 year old also competing against entrants across metropolitan and regional Queensland.

Competition finalists will be announced at the end of August, and Kilani, who started dancing when she was just two and a half years old, is hoping to beat out entrants from across metropolitan and regional Queensland to pursue her dream to dance professionally.

“To win this competition would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.

“A walk-on role in The Nutcracker would mean so much to me.

“We live so far from the big cities, so, we don’t get many chances to even see the ballet on the big stage.”

Now in its eighth year, the Dream Big Challenge has fostered some of Queensland’s most promising rising stars, such as Mekonnen Knife, who went on to host a children’s television show for Channel 10 after performing onstage with Queensland Ballet in The Nutcracker in 2019.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said he was impressed by both the passion and originality showcased in this year’s submissions, which had so far come from areas including Brisbane, Mackay, Ipswich, the Whitsundays and Lockyer Valley.

“It really goes to show how dance can touch the hearts of young people, far and wide. I can’t wait to see the other beautiful big moves that are submitted over the next few weeks,” Mr Li said.

If you are interested in entering the challenge, submit your photo by Sunday, August 15.

Head to suncorpdreambig.com.au/enter to find out more and view the current entries.