ECHUCA’S Ivy Walker feels like she’s dancing on air — the six-year-old recently scored first place in classical ballet and second in tap at the Follow Your Dreams nationals for the five and under section, both with a score of 91.
While in the Jump Dance Challenge championships, she scooped a first in tap and second in classical ballet for the six and under section.
So it’s no wonder Ivy’s smiling from ear to ear and mum Kelley couldn’t be prouder.
‘‘She’s been practicing the solos for these events all year,’’ she said.
‘‘My husband and I are just so proud of what she’s achieved in the past 12 months.
‘‘Especially at her age, we thought the pressure could be too much but she doesn’t get nervous, she’s just so excited to get out there.’’
Kelley said Ivy had moved forward in leaps and bounds since she qualified for the events months ago.
‘‘To qualify for the nationals she got an 88 for tap and 86 for classical — so getting 91s shows how far she’s come,’’ she said.
Ivy was praised by judges for her ‘‘beautiful use of stage’’, good timing, strong beats and precocious grasp of technique.
But there was no rest for Ivy at the state championships — after a couple of photos with her new trophies (one of them bigger than her) — she was whisked back to Echuca for the iDance concert.
‘‘She then performed in four concerts for iDance — and was also named most improved dancer there,’’ Kelley said.
So where to from here? Ivy’s just excited to keep dancing whenever and wherever she can.
‘‘Next week she’ll attend a summer school for dance at my old dance school, Wendorff Dance Academy. Then at the end of the month she’ll start back with Jacqui Kornmann at iDance,’’ Kelley said. ‘‘This year Ivy will have two private classes and two group classes. And she’s also hoping to add a jazz solo into upcoming competitions for a bit of fun.’’