Student dances his way to the Australian Ballet School
August 8, 2008
Nudgee student Nathan Mennis, who recently won a major dance competition, will attend the Australian Ballet School in 2009.
The Australian Ballet School selected Nathan in July 2007.
Nathan recently won the 13 years overall competition for the Classical Ballet section at the McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge in Sydney.
The McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge is the biggest dance competition in Australia. Nathan competed in the 13 years Classical Solo section along with 50 others dancers, both male and female.
As part of the Challenge, Nathan also competed in the 13 years Wenkart Foundation Ballet Championship where he came third.
Accepting the full time place at the Australian Ballet School means a move to Melbourne for the Year 8 student.
Nathan's mum Glenda said she was is confident the School will bring out the best in Nathan.
"My husband and I gave the offer a lot of thought before finally deciding to accept as it means Nathan will be living in a different city to the rest of the family," she said.
"Nathan has made it very clear to us that this is what he wants and we know that he will be in his comfort zone while he is training in Melbourne."
Nathan scored high achievements this year after attending his Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate exam at the end of May and received an amazing 91 per cent.
Mrs Mennis said Nathan's success was partly due to having such an experienced coach in ex-professional dancer Andrew Lyons and his teacher Eva Kohout, who has been his teacher for the last six years.
"Andrew was accepted into the Australian Ballet School himself when he was younger and in his graduation year was invited to join the Australian Ballet Company," she said.
"He has performed around the world with the Australian Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet and PACT Ballet South Africa. He finished his professional career as a Senior Soloist with the Queensland Ballet so he's a great role model for Nathan."
Mrs Mennis also acknowledged the tremendous support Nathan has received from various members of Nudgee's staff including Mr Daryl Hanly, Mr Chris Ryan, Mr Dane Gilmour, Mr Stephen Monk, Mr Luke Thomas and Ms Margie Wills.
"The staff at Nudgee have simply been wonderful with Nathan and have really supported him throughout the year, especially Dane who has developed programs for and trained Nathan in the College gym."
Nudgee Principal Daryl Hanly praised Nathan's achievements and congratulated him on his determination and persistence in achieving his goals.
"Nathan is obviously a very talented young man who has worked hard to achieve the results he has and I'm sure the whole Nudgee community joins with me in wishing him well for the challenges ahead."