There were tears all round when Traralgon dancer Sarah O’Brien took home silver at a national competition.
The 15 year-old Julie Ryan Dancers student placed second at the recent Australian Teachers of Dancing’s Australasian Scholarships in the Intermediate Ballet section, much to the delight of her teachers, family and friends.
“It’s a really big thing for Sarah and us as a family. Every day she is doing something related to ballet and to see her travel to Brisbane without us – as the first time away from us – and achieve what she has, we are just so proud,” father Johnny said.
“We got the phone call and Sarah was crying, her aunty was crying, everyone was crying.
“To place second in the country is an incredible achievement.”
Sarah, who has been dancing since she was two, described the win as “amazing”.
She said the last year of hard-work had paid off.
“It feels really good to have this achievement. The competition was tough, the girls who I competed with were really talented,” she said.
Dance school principal Melanie Currie said she was “very, very proud” of Sarah’s achievement.
“She works so hard all the time, she definitely deserves it,” Melanie said.
Sarah will now focus her efforts on the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, which kicks off later this month.
There she will compete in about 10 events, including her beloved classical solo category.
“That’s what I’m most looking forward to, I really enjoy it,” Sarah said.
The 61st Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod will be held from 27 August to 25 September at the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre.
For more information visit www.lve.org.au
