Monday, 13 November 2023

Tapping tyros’ talents tapped

    1. News
    2. Dunedin
    Victoria Dale, 9, does the splits in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Victoria Dale, 9, does the splits in the open tap under-10 solo section. PHOTOS: GERARD O'BRIEN
    Charlotte Hamilton-Smith, 11, performs a routine in the open speed tap section.
    Charlotte Hamilton-Smith, 11, performs a routine in the open speed tap section.
    Penny Todd, 9, performs with enthusiasm in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Penny Todd, 9, performs with enthusiasm in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Charlotte Whalan, 9, demonstrates her cheerleader skills in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Charlotte Whalan, 9, demonstrates her cheerleader skills in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Alice Hughson, 9, performs a routine in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Alice Hughson, 9, performs a routine in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Emma-Lee Jones, 9, shines in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Emma-Lee Jones, 9, shines in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Matilda Innes, 8, displays her poise in the open tap under-10 section.
    Matilda Innes, 8, displays her poise in the open tap under-10 section.
    Jaedy Price-Burgess, 11, gives the audience and judges some pointers.
    Jaedy Price-Burgess, 11, gives the audience and judges some pointers.
    Sia Stevenson, 8, performs a routine in the open tap under 10 solo.
    Sia Stevenson, 8, performs a routine in the open tap under 10 solo.
    Isabelle Geary, 8, has fun in the open tap under-10 solo section.
    Isabelle Geary, 8, has fun in the open tap under-10 solo section.

    The tipping and tapping of feet can take you around the world, the Dunedin Tap Dancing Society president says.

    More than 70 dancers participated over the weekend in the fourth and final society competition for the year.

    It was held at the Mosgiel Coronation Hall.

    Society president Helen Jones-Sexton said the focus was on youth for the weekend’s competition.

    "There were a lot of very young performers. Some of them were under the age of 6, and the oldest dancers were about 15," Ms Jones-Sexton said.

    Lucy Densham, 9, performs a routine at the Dunedin Tap Dancing Society competition at Coronation...
    Lucy Densham, 9, performs a routine at the Dunedin Tap Dancing Society competition at Coronation Hall in Mosgiel on Saturday. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN

    Dancers could compete in up to 10 events over a weekend.

    "You’re looking at technique as well as timing," Ms Jones-Sexton said.

    "But as they get older and improve, you’re also looking at presentation, creativity and degree of difficulty."

    She said many tap dancers parlayed their skills into drama productions all over the world.

    "One of our former students, Lara Davison, is in the UK trying to put her talent to good use," Ms Jones-Sexton said.

    "Tap dancing can definitely take you places."

    The tap dancing community had a really great camaraderie, Ms Jones-Sexton said.

    "I’ve been involved for more than 30 years, and I see the way the children really get into it and make new friends.

    "You have to be pretty quick on your feet, so you can see the benefits of it."

    matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz

     

     

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