By BRIDGET COOK
TWO local teenagers have danced their way to the top, both being crowned state Highland dancing champions last month.
Hayley Winter and Kelsey Hoskin from Lynbrook dance school Glenbrae Celtic Dancers took out their respective age category at the Highland Dancing State Championships in Ballarat on Saturday 8 August.
Both girls had to perform three dances, the Highland Fling, Shean Truis and Sword Dance, to receive an overall score based in their timing, dress and technique.
Hayley won the 12 to 16-year-old championship while Kelsey was named the over-16 state champion.
It was the second year Kelsey took out a state championship having won the 12 to 16-year-old category last year.
Teacher Bernadette Rae said she was very proud of both dancers and their success.
“Both girls work extremely hard at class and also continue their practice at home,” she said.
“They both listen to instructions and try their best to put those instructions into place.
“They also have great personalities which make them not only successful dancers but also successful class members within the Glenbrae Celtic Dancers.
“They are both well respected for being great sportspeople, as success does not always come to them at every competition but they are gracious in success and defeat.”
Hayley only started Highland dancing in 2009 and her first competition was at Berwick Highland Gathering in 2010.
“She has been a very quick learner and has honed her skills very well for someone who is still relatively inexperienced,” Ms Rae said.
“Most dancers commence learning as four to five-year-olds.”
Ms Rae said Kelsey had been dancing since she was seven-years-old and has shown considerable talent all the way through.
