Thirteen year-old Maddison Dolzan won the People’s Choice award for the Queensland Ballet’s annual Wish Upon A Ballet Star Competition.
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It was the first time the young aspiring dancer had entered the competition where she was shortlisted from hundreds of entrants, down to just 10.
The main reason she entered was because ‘it would be the last time she could’.
The competition caters to dancers between the ages of five to 13 years-old.
The ten finalists visited The Thomas Dixon Centre, home of Queensland Ballet, met with artistic director Li Cunxin and the company dancers, and had an opportunity to watch the company rehearse for their season of The Nutcracker.
Maddison won flights and accommodation to Brisbane plus four tickets to The Nutcracker and was over the moon when when found out.
“I was at home when my Mum called and told me the great news.”
“I’ve never been to a live ballet before,” she said.
The ballet dancer intends on taking her best friend, Willow, along with her mother and another person.
Sam Dolzan, Maddison’s Mum said while Maddy had not seen or felt the atmosphere of a live performance she had seen recorded and live streams of the ballet at the Mount Isa Civic Centre.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, believes the competition is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding initiatives Queensland Ballet support.
READ MORE: Mount Isa Youth Talent Show 2017
“We’re thrilled the fifth annual Suncorp Wish Upon a Ballet Star competition has reached out to and inspired the many young talented Queenslanders with ballet dreams,” he said.
Suncorp EGM Brand and Marketing person, Mim Haysom said the competition is a great way to help Queensland Ballet reach more communities.
“It also makes the arts more accessible to children and their families throughout Queensland, regardless of where they live.,” Ms Haysom said.
The Nutcracker is a traditional festive story which is the ultimate Christmas ballet to get you in the mood for the jolly season.
Maddison would like to thank the Mount Isa region and surrounding communities for voting for her.
“A big shout out and thank you to the Mount Isa community for backing me, I was told the votes were very close, so thank you to everyone.”
