Thirteen-year-old Mount Isa local Will McIntosh finds freedom in his dancing.
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"Dance allows me to be me," Will said.
"Dance allows me to move, to express myself and be comfortable in my own skin. This isn't always easy in a remote mining town. But when I dance, I feel free."
Will was one of hundreds of children who entered in the Suncorp Dream Big Challenge with hopes of winning the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on stage in Queensland Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.
Children all over Queensland submitted a photograph of their best arabesque (a ballet pose) in a location that reflects their home.
Will photographed his arabesque against a backdrop of the Mount Isa Mines.
"The hard lines and shapes of the mine are similar to the masculine shapes we make in ballet and the rust depicts the raw emotion," he said.
"Mount Isa is a beautiful place. I love standing in my backyard and seeing the orange hills against the giant blue sky."
The Suncorp Dream Big Challenge gave youngsters from every corner of the state the chance to live their childhood dreams and the opportunity to show Queensland the happiness dance brings to their lives during times of hardship and adversity.
Budding dancers had to upload the photo of their ballet pose to the campaign website and write 50 words on what makes their location special to them.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin judged the technical proficiency of the pose.
Mr Li was blown away by the quality of entries in this year's Suncorp Dream Big Challenge.
"You can't help but feel a sense of pride when you read through their stories and look through the photos. It was heart-warming to think this is the next generation of Queensland dancers who are passionate about both dance and their community," Mr Li said.
"For many dance lends itself as a way to escape, be it the monotony of everyday life, drought, bullying or general hardship, and it takes them to a place that brings them ultimate freedom and happiness."
Even though Will didn't make the list of finalists, Mr Li felt it was important to profile him as one of the inspiring entries.
However Madeleine Murphy of Julia Creek was one of the finalists.
The finalists for 2019 are:
- Erin Burgess Brisbane
- Kayla Milligan Redland
- Madeleine Murphy Julia Creek
- Amelia O'Sullivan Gympie
- Mekonnen Knife Gold Coast
- Penny Fing Toowoomba
The winner will be announced on 29 November and will have a walk on role in The Nutcracker.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
