By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
EMOTIONAL tributes have poured in for Traralgon-raised dancer, Indyana Hopman, who touched the souls of so many people in her lifetime.
The vibrant young woman has been remembered as a shining light in the world following her tragic death.
Indyana died in a road incident in Ripplebrook, south of Drouin on Friday, March 22.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Indyana’s parents Daniel Hopman and Sjaala Harbridge remembered their daughter as an electric and powerful person whose passion for dance saw her overcome many obstacles.
“Indy was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation of what her future could be and she will be forever loved and missed,” her mother said.
The newly 20-year-old was beloved by many for her positivity and eccentrics.
Sjenna Harbridge also recounted her sisters artistic flair and uniqueness.
“I can’t really find the right words to truly honour her, but my heart is broken for all the dance classes, adventures, art and hugs we won’t share,” Sjenna said.
Morwell’s Gippsland Academy of Dance was where the young woman first pursued her passion for performance.
“Indy danced with GAD for over 10 years and in that time she left her footprints on the hearts of so many,” GAD wrote.
“We were privileged to teach Indy and watch her grow up into such a talented and beautiful dancer. We feel very lucky to have made so many special memories with Indy and we will cherish them always.”
Many friends, family and loved ones flooded social media with emotional tributes to the young woman.
“Your gorgeous smile, your loud voice, your passion for everything you do and your need to help others, you will always have a special place in my heart my angel,” boyfriend of four years, Riley Adams wrote.
“Indyana this still doesn’t feel real, the love of my life, the person I spent every second with, my best friend, we taught each other everything we know, we’ve grown from kids to adults together.”
“I can’t believe you’re gone, I’m so lost without you, I miss you so much Indyana”
Indyana was a successful performer, going on to dance with Jazz Flowers Performing Arts, Morwell, Transit Dance in Brunswick, 02 Studios in Melbourne and Space Dance & Art in Prahran.
As a young girl, Indyana played netball for the Yallourn Yallourn North Football-Netball Club. She was part of the ‘Baby Bombers’ squad that found finals success in 2019.
Loved ones continue to pay their respects to a talented young woman taken too soon.
“This was not the plan us mums had for you. You were so good at anything you tried. Everything actually. So much skill and talent. You never failed to make me smile and I will love you forever,” wrote family friend, Deanna Paulet.
Family and dear friends will celebrate Indy’s life at a ceremony this Friday (April 12) in Toongabbie.
Life cut short: The late Indyana ‘Indy’ Hopman of Traralgon, looked set for a long career in dance, before tragically losing her life recently.
