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Claudia steps up

SWAN HILL dancer Claudia Gleeson has secured a coveted place with prestigious Melbourne dance school Kelly Aykers.

The acceptance places her on a path she never dreamed possible.

The 17-year-old has been dancing since she was 4 with some fairly impressive mentors.

Her aunt is Raylene Richardson, owner of Richardson’s Dance Studio and she received many years of mentoring from Kaiti Walters, also of Richardson’s Dance studio, 

“Kaiti pushed me to my potential,” Ms Gleeson said.

“She encouraged me to apply to Kelly Aykers and assisted me with the application process.

“Past teacher Emmalee Walters also had a big influence.

“She’s the one who made me believe I could do it.”

Ms Gleeson attended a three hour audition four weeks ago in Melbourne where she demonstrated her skill in ballet technique, jazz routine and kicks and turns.

When she found out she had been successful she said she was ecstatic.

For more on this story grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (October 5, 2016)

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