Three of our learners will feature in The Court Theatre production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. during the July school holidays.

Isabel Hawes (year 11), Tora Maitland (year 10), and Emma Williams (year 9) are all seasoned performers with more than twelve years of dance experience between them. They take lessons at Aurora Dance Studio, where Isabel is also a teacher in training. Emma also takes singing lessons.

Isabel has racked up experience in Footloose, Aladdin, High School Musical, Fame and The Lion King with Kirwee Players and CentreStage Rolleston, along with school productions of Beauty and the Beast and Wizard of Oz.

Emma was in The Court Theatre’s Frozen Jr. production last year too.

All three girls sent audition tapes of themselves singing, and got callbacks for dancing, then another round of auditions featuring singing and acting. They’re set for a busy rehearsal schedule, with at least one weekday and the weekends, with expectations for it to ramp up as the show nears.

Tora said her favourite thing about dance is the way it lets you express yourself, and put energy into something where you can see the progress. She trains in tap and jazz, and encourages those interested in dance to join a class and see if you like it.

“Everyone is on their own journey so don’t compare yourself to others,” she said.

Emma relishes the opportunity to meet new people and gain industry qualifications and experience through dance and performance. She also treasures her friends made through performing arts, and likes learning new things.

“Rolleston College supports us with dance classes and workshops,” she said.

“Have a go at dance, have fun with it. Remember that everyone starts somewhere and you’re not going to be perfect from the start.”

Alongside growing and sharing her skills through teaching, Isabel likes expressing herself through movement.

“Rolleston College supports my endeavours by giving me opportunities to showcase my skills,” she said.

“School productions, and NZ Made, which is a dance competition for schools are things I like to get involved with. I can even take classes which revolve around the arts like dance and music.”

We look forward to supporting the girls in their performances in The Little Mermaid Jr.

Image: Isabel Hawes.