Young dancer rewarded for her passion

Levin dancer Shelby Palmer-Wells was one of two ballet dancers nationally to receive a New Zealand Ballet Scholarship.

A passion for dance has been rewarded for Levin dancer Shelby Palmer-Wells, awarded just one of two New Zealand Ballet Scholarships this year.

The 13-year-old was selected for the scholarship about a month ago after passing her International Performers exam.

A pupil at the Catherine Inger School of Dance, Palmer-Wells, 13, a student of classical ballet since the age of five, is among the top placed dancers at competitions and consistently achieves exam marks in the 90 percentile.

"I love dancing. It's graceful, it's all I think about."

Her dream is to win a place in the Royal New Zealand Ballet and perform the role of Princess Odette, the female lead in Swan Lake.

The scholarship, worth $500, will go towards her four ballet lessons a week.

Catherine Inger School of Dance principal/owner Cathy Croad said overseas examiners assess the dancers for scholarships, choosing from the higher end of the advanced level.

"They are mostly looking for the most outstanding dancers, the ones that show future potential. "They don't pick dancers lightly, there is a definite criteria to adhere to."

She said Palmer-Wells has the potential to go all the way with her ballet.

"She is ballet school material. She has a good technical base and is conscientious and driven.

"Shelby has a genuine passion for ballet. To be chosen for the scholarship out of all the schools in New Zealand is a great honour. She really deserves it."

The Catherine Inger School of Dance has been running in Levin for almost 28 years.