FROM the tender age of two, uMhlanga resident, Talia Tostee, has had an unquenchable passion for dancing. So much so that at the age of three, she took up dancing lessons in classic ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, tap, hip-hop and character dancing.
Nine years down the road, the tiny dancer has garnered some impressive accolades in her dancing career. Not only has Tostee performed at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, The Natal Playhouse, the KZN Festival of Dance and at the Grahamstown Festival, but she has also recently returned from the American Academy of Ballet Summer School in New York, where she trained with top international teachers.
The 12-year-old was given a similar scholarship in 2014, and is one of 24 students from the whole faculty, of which there were 280, who was invited to return in 2016.
“It was a big highlight in her career. She was ten years old when she was invited the first time, and generally they only select students aged 11 and older,” said her proud mother, Tanya.
Another big achievement for Tostee was winning the National Championships of American Academy of Ballet at the age of nine.
“Dancing is something that I have always wanted to do and I have always loved the grace and freedom I experience while dancing,” said the student of the Gail Smith School of Dancing.
When she is not gliding across the dance floor, the talented youngster can be found playing the piano, doing homework or performing in the school choir.
She aspires to become a professional dancer after completing her schooling.
