Dancing up a storm

An Arrowtown-raised former professional dancer is blown away by the interest her second annual Queenstown Dance Awards has engendered.

When entries opened last month for the awards, which are running from September 4 till 6, all 450 entry slots were taken up in just 32 seconds.

Organiser Sophie Purdon says she still can’t believe it — “this is unheard of”.

“It shows you how alive and well dance is across New Zealand.”

She’s now accepted more than 550 entries with a further 300 dancers waitlisted, “and we’re working hard to fit as much talent into the competition as possible”.

While the majority of entries are from Otago/ Southland, Purdon says there’s also been strong interest from the North Island including Wellington, Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland.

The youngest competitor’s just three, with dancers competing up to 20 years of age — sections comprise minis, petites, juniors, intermediates and seniors.

Solo styles include ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz and hip-hop, while troupe sections feature modern and lyrical/contemporary genres.

Two lucky soloists will be given the opportunity to compete in the inaugural National Young Performer Awards in Palmerston North.

Purdon’s also excited to be welcoming an international adjudicator.

Currently modelling and running her own marketing agency, she also works as a choreographer and dance teacher.

“I’m really invested in growing the Queenstown Dance Awards and getting the community behind what is shaping up to be an incredible event.”

Purdon says she’s also inviting local businesses to sponsor awards — her contact is sophiapurdon18@gmail.com