A group of local dancers from Kenwick are packing their bags and their dreams, as they prepare to represent Australia at one of the world’s biggest dance competitions in the United States this April.
The dancers, all part of Vitality Academy, a newly opened studio in Kenwick, will travel to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Dance World Championships from April 25 to 28. For many of the young athletes, it’s a milestone that has been years in the making.
“It’s such an honour to be able to represent Australia,” says Alyssa Murray, who has been dancing for 17 years. “I can’t wait to get on the world stage and showcase the talent we have here. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about.”
Vitality Academy only opened its doors in February 2024, but the passion and drive among its dancers and directors has fast-tracked them to the world stage. The studio will send three competitive teams to Florida, performing routines in Jazz, Lyrical, and Pom.
Studio co-directors Chloe and Alex both know what it means to stand on the international stage, as they’ve competed at Worlds themselves in the past. However, this trip will mark the first time they’re doing it as coaches.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Chloe said.
“To see our students, in our very first Open teams, achieve something like this; it’s emotional. We always hoped to one day take our own team to Worlds, and now it’s happening.”
While the excitement is building, the road to Florida hasn’t been easy.
Dancers have been training multiple times a week, alongside additional workouts and recovery sessions. It’s been a physically and mentally demanding few months.
“Honestly, the training has been tough,” Alyssa said.
“The long hours, the back-to-back sessions really push you. But I’ve seen how much it’s improved our routines. That hard work is paying off.”
Lucy Nancarrow, another team member, says she’ll never forget the feeling of finishing their routines for the first time. “Everyone was so excited. We knew we’d gotten through a major step together, but we also knew that the real challenge was still ahead.”
For Lucy, the opportunity to compete internationally is deeply personal. “I started dancing when I was four, my dad encouraged me. He thought I’d enjoy it, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. It’s a privilege to take it this far and hopefully, make Australia proud.”
The journey has also been a collective effort from families, friends, and the wider community. Fundraising events, from car washes to raffles, discos, and paint-and-sip nights, have helped make the trip possible.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who’s helped us,” said Katie Nancarrow, the team’s fundraising coordinator.
“It’s been amazing to see people come together and support something so positive.”
A recent showcase on March 28, gave the dancers the chance to perform their routines in front of their supporters before heading overseas.
“It was a great way to say thank you,” Katie adds. “So many of these dancers have been dreaming about this moment for years.”
Parents, too, have watched their children grow through the intense training and emotional ups and downs.
“As a mum, it makes me incredibly proud,” says Kylie Agostino, whose daughter is part of the team. “She’s matured so much through this experience. It’s been a joy to watch.”
Chloe and Alex hope the trip will leave a lasting impression on their athletes, no matter what the competition outcome may be.
“We want them to feel proud, not just because they’re competing, but because of everything they’ve done to get there,” says Alex. “They’ve trained hard, supported each other, and created memories they’ll have for the rest of their lives.”
As the teams prepare to board their flights later this month, there’s a quiet buzz of excitement and nerves. For a small studio in its first year, Vitality Academy has already left a mark, and they’re not done yet.
“I’m most excited about being there with my teammates,” Lucy says. “We’ve worked so hard for this. No matter what happens, it’s going to be unforgettable.”
