Sport
25 January, 2024
Awards for Gracie Spoiled for Choice
Training under the annexe of the caravan throughout the family holidays may not be the typical way to prepare for a national dance competition, but 13-year-old Gracie Griffiths made it work, receiving a gold and silver award at the Showcase National Dance Championships on the Gold Coast last week.

Gracie’s family, including newborn baby brother, Sully, and her three younger sisters had spent Christmas and New Year travelling in their caravan – so practise for the competition was a challenge.
Her dance teacher Angie White, who has just retired from the Western Studio of Performing Arts, checked in daily via zoom and Gracie practised her hip hop and jazz routines while the rest of the family caught up with relatives or enjoyed the beach.
She travelled to the Gold Coast by plane last week with her mum, Kristy Sheather and little Sully, and won a gold award for hip hop and a silver for tap.
“It was an amazing experience for Gracie,” Kristy said.
“Dance adjudication is hard to understand but for Gracie the scores she received were exactly what she set out to achieve.
“She gave it her absolute best and although she didn’t receive a trophy, she ranked in the scoring category exactly where she wanted to.”
“She was up against some incredible talent from all over Australia and her scores reflected she was up there with some of the best which is awesome.”
Kristy admitted the competition preparation wasn’t ideal, but the family had enjoyed a holiday together which was important. “The prep in the lead up to nationals wasn’t what we had planned so I am extremely proud of her, she danced via zoom with Ange under the annexe of our caravan while we travelled for holidays.
“And then once home she put in solid days of prep to perfect her performances.
Kristy described the experience at The Star on the Gold Coast as great. “She had a smile on her face the entire time! We met some lovely people.”
Back at home and about to begin year eight at Nyngan High School, Gracie is planning to continue with dance and will work towards attending eisteddfods to again gain national selection.
“She is also hoping to get into some more dance workshops and ensembles through her school and outside of school, because the more opportunities and experiences she is able to be a part of, the more avenues she could pursue later in life.”
“It’s all about attending these things to build her dance!”
Kristy thanked Angie White from WSPA for the many years of dance.
“Her commitment, dedication and teaching will never go unnoticed. We are very grateful for the many hours she put into teaching and helping Gracie get to where she is now,” Kristy said. “We would also like to thank Lani at Lee Academy for her choreography and to Amy Motley for her choreography as well.”