Derrimut dancer Penny Higgs lives and breathes dance and is now passing on her passion to youngsters. 67446 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Natalie Gallenti
MAKING a name for yourself in the competitive dance industry isn’t an easy task, but Penny Higgs has achieved it.
The Western Suburbs dancer has enjoyed the success many little girls dream of when they take their first dance class, and is a perfect example that determination is often the key to making it big.
The creator of Dance Generation studio in Ravenhall, Ms Higgs said she enjoyed passing on her expertise to aspiring dancers of all ages.
“I think dancing helps kids come out of their shell,” the Derrimut resident said.
“I try to make it an environment that everyone feels comfortable and always give positive feedback.
“Dancing is the best release, you can just forget everything else – nothing else matters.’
And she should know. Ms Higgs made it to the top eight in the dance reality television show, So You Think You Can Dance, but was forced to leave the competition when a stress fracture in her ribs became too painful to continue.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster.
“All you can do is give everything. You’re constantly being judged, but it’s one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.”
She has also performed at the Footy Show’s grand final editions, in film clips and commercials and was a cheerleader for the NBL.
“I love it so much. It’s my life. It doesn’t feel like work.”
She first took up jazz at the age of 12 and said she was a prime example that it was never too late to take up dancing.
“I’m constantly learning new techniques and passing them on to my students.”
The dance instructor teaches an array of dance styles including jazz, contemporary and hip-hop.
“There are great social and physical benefits.
“Dancing teaches discipline. You have to work hard, but it’s worth it.”
