Wantirna’s Next Generation Dance Studio Team Vegas girls aim for US glory

Team work and passion are what is driving this troupe of dancers all the way to the US.

Next Generation Dance Studio's Team Vegas 2019 girls.

Team: Team Vegas 2019

Club: Next Generation Dance Studio

Suburb: Belgrave Heights

Coach: Belinda Payne

Ages: nine to 15

Sport: DanceSport

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Recent competitions:

• Qualified at 2018 Kids Artistic Review Melbourne Regional for the Nationals to be held in Las Vegas July 2019; and
• Last week the team achieved highest scoring large group (12-14) at Rainbow Australian Dance Tour, and technical excellence award for Broadway large group, which qualifies the team for the next round of National titles in 2020.

What has been your team’s biggest success?

This team of girls have worked and taken responsibility as individuals to build their strength, technique and performance ability, to contribute to a team effort. Each member of the team are supportive to one another, often taking time out to work with each other to fine tune, or strengthen the team as a whole. From ages nine to 15 the bond between them is unbreakable.

Training routine:

Each girl trains weekly for about 12-16 hours, including classes in ballet, jazz, acrobatics, strength and conditioning. In addition to their team commitments each girl trains in private lessons. Over the last two years the girls and their families have spent hours fundraising, making costumes for themselves and each other, and practicing hour after hour to improve and be the best they can be.

What does the team love most about the sport?

Without question the bond and camaraderie between these girls is what motivates them to push themselves to be their best. Each girl is passionate about their dancing and loves the challenge and reward that comes with performing and expressing themselves through dance.

Describe the toughest challenge the team has faced:

The range of ages has proven to be no barrier in the bonding of this team, and the studio principal Belinda Payne and choreographer Poppy Donaldson have worked tirelessly to build and draw upon the strengths of each individual. The training and strengthening regime has been conducted with the girl’s wellbeing at the core, so much care is taken to ensure fitness, condition and any injury is well managed.

What is the team’s ultimate sporting goal?

The team will be competing at the Kids Artistic Review National Finals in Las Vegas in July 2019. As both teams and individuals, the girls are aiming to represent their studio, families and indeed Australia at this competition to the best of their ability, and aim to entertain, inspire and encourage others in the same pursuit. To be recognised in high point title and award ceremonies at any level would be the ultimate reward.

‘We couldn’t have done this without …’

Studio principal Belinda Payne, and teachers Poppy Donaldson and Ashley Black have committed themselves tirelessly to Team Vegas. A tour of the US inspired the teachers to dare to dream, and no stone has been left unturned in ensuring the team are equipped with the training, support and love of these ladies.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

Together with the teachers and team members, the families of these dancers have made many sacrifices and commitments to see this dream come true for everyone. The families and the entire Next Generation Dance Studio community wishes Team Vegas all the best in their July 2019 tour.

Know someone with great sporting talent? Nominate them here.

Thanks to our partner Gold 104.3