Danielle Vandermey takes to the stage each week with the Triple Threats group. 77169 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Laura Wakely
KEILOR Downs teen Danielle Vandermey was never really into musicals growing up.
Now she spends each week training and rehearsing musical numbers fit for Broadway.
Her introduction to musical theatre began after she moved to Melbourne from Mildura.
Looking for a way to continue her jazz and ballet dancing, she discovered the Children’s Performing Company of Australia (CPCA) and tried out.
Fast forward a few years and the 17-year-old is one of 30 students selected for the Triple Threats group – the best of the best in singing, dancing and acting.
Training for four hours each Friday, the group performs twice a year with each member given a shot at a solo on stage.
“I get pretty nervous but I don’t want to let it get in the way of my performing,” Danielle said.
A fan of musical comedies like Hairspray, Danielle is hoping to one day perform her favourite song On My Own from the musical Fame.
But don’t expect to see her chasing the dream on a reality show anytime soon.
“I’m more of a nerd-type academic,” Danielle said.
“I love singing and dancing and if a chance arose for me to pursue it, I would take it, but at the moment I’m focused on studying.”
The Year 12 student is hoping to make it into a law course where she’ll switch the drama of the stage for the drama of the courtroom.
And it seems musical theatre could be the perfect preparation.
“It gives you extra confidence and self-esteem,” Danielle said.
“I think that’s something you can’t be given, you have to learn.”
Danielle encouraged all young people to try out for CPCA.
“You never know where you’ll end up.”
To find out more about the Children’s Performing Company of Australia visit www.cpca.com.au
