Cessnock dancers Kyla Borghero and Tayla Minchinton have continued their success at international level.
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The girls competed at the International Dance Organisation (IDO) World Tap Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany late last year.
They competed in the junior category, with a solo each, a duo together and in the trio section (with Melbourne boy Jacob Moulton), and made it to the grand final in all categories.
The trio placed second with their “Gatsby Party” dance, Tayla’s solo performance earned her the third place trophy, and the girls placed fifth in the duo section.
The Cessnock girls, both 14, qualified for the world championships after their success at the IDO World Dance Cup in Korea in July, when they won gold and silver in the solos and gold for their duo performance.
Their teacher of 10 years, Sloan’s Dance Academy principal Kelly Sloan Egan, was also one of the coaches of the Australian IDO team for the world championships.
The tap competition was held from November 29 to December 3, following the IDO World Show Dance Championships.
More than 3000 dancers from 27 nations and five continents took part in the two-week celebration of dance.
“This event was spectacular with the best of the best in the world competing,” Ms Sloan Egan said.
“With the fierce competition we were not sure we would even make it through the first round, so to come home with these results were outstanding for our local girls.”
The girls were grateful for the opportunity and thanked their family, friends, Sloan’s Dance Academy and the local community for their support.
“Dancing on the world stage was an amazing experience that I will never forget,” Kyla said.
“I felt so proud to represent the Hunter Valley and Australia.
“I met some wonderful people from all over the world and receiving a second and fifth place definitely made all the hard work worthwhile.”
Tayla said the competition was an “emotional rollercoaster” that has boosted her confidence, and that she was happy to accomplish her dream of performing on the world stage.
Heddon Greta’s Shelby McBlane, 24, also competed at the world championships, placing 15th in the adult solo section.
The Australian IDO team will have the opportunity to compete in South Africa and Germany this year as part of their journey to the ArtsGames (the artistic counterpart to the Olympic and Paralympic Games) in Montreal, Canada in 2018.
