Sarah Hardy has been dancing for 13 years and hopes to become a full-time dance teacher next year. 87094 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By DANTE CECCON
WHETHER in front of stadium audiences, a hospital for charity or a Robbie Williams tribute show, Sarah Hardy always has her best foot forward.
Performing since she was three years old, the VCE student balances schoolwork with teaching and rehearsing at JDC Performing Arts Studio in Werribee and Caroline Springs.
“I do ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, commercial and musical theatre,” the 17-year-old said.
“I organise my homework during dancing as I have breaks. I do dancing about four days a week and JDC is also part of my schooling doing a Certificate II,” Ms Hardy said.
“The students make it really fun and it’s also a good opportunity for me to learn the skills I need for the future.”
With a committed schedule to dance and school work, finding time for her friends can be difficult.
“I do make my dancing first because that’s where I want to go. All my friends understand that, they understand I have rehearsal during the weekend and during weekdays.”
Studio founder and director Jason Di Cicco said dance was an opportunity for students to get away from the stress of everyday life.
“Dancing is where they get to release everything and just forget about everything, it’s a place to escape,” Mr Di Cicco said.
Mr Di Cicco, who last year awarded Ms Hardy the JDC Acknowledgment Award, said Ms Hardy was an example to other students.
“All the little kids look up to her. She’s a real role model.”
For mum Robyn Hardy, her daughter’s success is all that matters.
“Seeing the smile on her face and the happiness, there’s a lot of pressure but that’s what comes to being perfect at doing what you’re doing.”
