Young performers on show

Emma Morris at the Tauranga Festival of Performing Arts. Photo / George Novak

Young performers showcased their talent at Baycourt Theatre for the 58th Tauranga Festival of Performing Arts.

Emma Morris, 16, had been dancing since she was 5.

Miss Morris performed a modern jazz dance yesterday and also competed in musical theatre, contemporary and lyrical dance.

"I like telling a story through dance," she said.

She said her mum was a big part of her dancing.

"My mum makes all of my costumes. It can take her up to one week."

Miss Morris said she had been competing since she was 13.

"I'm more nervous in group dancing because if I muck up it's very noticeable. If I'm by myself I can just continue on and it's not such a big deal."

Miss Morris attended Stewart Dance Studio in Auckland.

President of the Tauranga Performing Arts Competitions Society Cathy Gifford described the festival as "the performing arts equivalent to Saturday morning sport".

"It's a place for them to perform what they've learnt, to get a critique from a respected person in the industry and to put themselves against their peers."

People travelled from around the country for the festival, Mrs Gifford said.

The youngest competitor was just 3 while the eldest was in their early 20s, she said.

The festival ends Sunday, July 12.