Wanaka dancers who participated in the NZ Dance Awards in Christchurch last week included a teen winner in the most outstanding male dancer category.

The dance awards ran over six days, and included more than 1,500 acts, as well as offering dance workshops. A finals gala was held on Saturday (October 10).

Dance Out Loud owner Rachel Erichsen said attending such events is important as it gives the students a goal to strive toward and puts them “in the arena” with other dance schools.

“The other major bonus of going there is to see how big the industry and community of dancing really is,” she said.

Rachel said while there are benefits to learning to dance in a small, supportive community, the missing link is exposure to the wider world of dance.

“The dancing, the music, the costumes: it’s a celebration, and everyone gets their eyes opened,” she said.

Thirteen-year-old Hunter Cranfield of Wanaka was praised by the judges at the awards for his strength, execution, energy, and his “very entertaining strong jumps”. 

Wanaka’s Hunter Cranfield won the Most Outstanding Male Dancer at the awards.

Hunter, who has been dancing for seven years, attends eight dance classes a week. He said dance gives him the opportunity to be with friends, perform, and express himself on stage.

And to those boys who think dancing is for girls, Hunter says: “You can have fun with friends and it’s the same as girls playing rugby. It is also great for your fitness and strength.”

Luke Gendall (12) of Wanaka was awarded Jazz Personality (for years twelve and over).

Ten students from Dance Out Loud and Pointe Central competed in either solos or duos at the NZ Dance Awards: Mia Waite, Kaya Knights Johnstone, Izzy Martin, Luke Gendall, Mia Cohen, Lucy Fenton, Estelle Gellatly, Casey Knights Johnstone, Hunter Cranfield, and Mila Culpitt.

Dance Out Loud’s Meltdown Hip Hop Crew won first place in their category. The crew comprises teacher Jorden Lahood Timu, and the dancers are Bella Robertson, Minnie Harker-Gilmour, Mila Culpitt, Hana Dean, Hunter Cranfield, Meg Thomas, Estelle Gellatly, and Lucy Fenton.

Dance Out Loud’s Sass Machine Hip Hop Crew won second place. They are also taught by Jorden, and the dancers are Georgia Murray, Anika West, Casey Knights Johnstone, Tasmin Murphy, Bess Wilson, Izzy Martin, and Kerah Alexander.

And Dance Out Loud’s Evolve Contemporary Troupe also performed, placing sixth in their category. The troupe is taught by Nina Fischer, and the dancers are Mikayla Duncan, Mila Culpitt, Kaya Knights Johnstone, Luke Gendall, Mia Cohen, Tasmin Murphy, Mia Waite, Izzy Martin, and Hunter Cranfield.

During the holidays Dance Wanaka students attended the Southland Junior Competition in Invercargill, where Grace Thomas received Overall Most Promising Jazz Dancer.

PHOTOS: Supplied