In a remarkable achievement, Kannika Broadbent, a dedicated student of Forster Dance Elite, has been accepted into the highly competitive Associate Program for Commercial and Contemporary Dance at the National College of Dance in Newcastle.  This prestigious program will see Kannika attending 19 days of intensive dance training throughout the year, honing her skills and expanding her artistic horizons. 

Her acceptance into the National College of Dance's Associate Program is a significant milestone, not only for her but also for Forster Dance Elite.  It highlights the studio's commitment to nurturing and developing young talent, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed. 

After hearing the exciting news, I reached out to Kannika to ask her to share a little about her dance journey and future aspirations: 

 

Early Beginnings 

Kannika's passion for dance began at the tender age of six, when she started with just one jazz ballet class per week at Dance Elite.  Her talent and dedication quickly became evident and by the age of 10 she was invited to join the performance troupe, marking the beginning of her journey towards excellence. 

Training 

Kannika dedicates four nights a week to training at Forster Dance Elite specialising in the dance genres of Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz, showcasing her versatility and love for a variety of dance styles.  Additionally, she has developed a strong proficiency in aerials, excelling in both silks and the lyra.  Her diverse training regimen reflects her commitment to mastering multiple facets of dance. 

Challenges 

Balancing her dance training with other commitments has been one of Kannika's biggest challenges.  She has had to find time for other sports such as swimming, athletics and cross country, all while maintaining a social life.  Her ability to manage these demands speaks volumes about her dedication and time management skills. 

Achievements 

Kannika's dance journey is adorned with numerous proud moments, including recently participating in a Sydney Dance Company workshop in January.  Kannika has also been invited to join the Dance Elite performance troupe.  In her first solo performance Kannika achieved first place and reached the 'opens' level after only 12 months.  Additionally, she attained the position of Apprentice Dance Teacher at Dance Elite, further highlighting her exceptional talent and leadership qualities. 

Future Goals 

Kannika has set both short-term and long-term goals for her dance career.  In the near future, she aims to perform her first ballet solo in May this year whilst long-term, she aspires to improve her skills in aerials and ballet and to become more expressive in Lyrical and Contemporary dance. 

Professional Plans

Kannika plans to pursue dance professionally, with dreams of performing as a dancer in a major production.  She also has a passion for teaching and hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers through her experiences and knowledge. 

Role Models and Inspiration 

Kannika's dance teacher, Miss Hayley, has been a significant source of inspiration for her.  Miss Hayley has supported Kannika since the beginning of her dance journey and has had a successful career in dance herself.  Her exceptional skills as a dancer and choreographer have left a lasting impact on Kannika. 

Advice for Aspiring Dancers 

Kannika's advice for other young dancers is simple yet profound:  "Eat healthily, keep fit, and never give up."

 

Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and hard work. 

As Kannika embarks on this exciting new chapter, the St Clare’s community will be celebrating her success.  Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers everywhere, proving that with dedication, hard work and passion, dreams can indeed come true. 

I would like to thank Kannika very much for sharing her story and encourage others who are willing to share their talents and achievements within the field of Creative Arts to reach out to me throughout the year, so that as a community, we can celebrate together! 

Mrs Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning