Teen leaps at US offer

BEN CAMPBELL

LEAPS AND BOUNDS: The eight medals and two scholarships Stephanie Vos won at this year’s World Championships of Performing Arts will help her make a name for herself.

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BORN performer Stephanie Vos is snapping up a chance to break into the big time.

The 18-year-old from Remuera has earned two scholarships to prestigious performing arts centres in the United States.

She auditioned for the scholarships and placed in all eight dance styles she competed in at the 14th annual World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood last month.

She now has the opportunity to study dance for three months at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, which is used for rehearsals by stars such as Britney Spears, Alicia Keys and Pink.

Stephanie will then head to Manhattan to hone her acting skills at the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts for two years.

The year 13 St Cuthbert's College student is looking forward to the opportunity but is committed to completing NCEA level three before she takes off.

She was one of 14 people selected for the New Zealand team that went to the competition held from July 17 to 25.

Stephanie won silver medals in the 18 to 24 age group for jazz, lyrical, hip hop and open dance styles as well as a bronze for musical theatre.

She was also awarded silver medals for the jazz and musical theatre duos she performed with teammate Amy Finnigan.

The pair's lyrical duo earned them a bronze medal.

Stephanie says it was a nerve-racking experience having her performances judged by many of the industry's best – from casting agents and broadway directors to a vocal coach who taught Michael Jackson.

The talented teen has been dancing since she was four and has no plans to stop.

"It just feels natural. It just feels right," she says.

"I like to perform and classes are fun. It's not a hassle."

She says the years of ballet she took set her up well.

"You need ballet and I did ballet for 10 years or so. It's your base for everything."

She prefers dance over acting but hopes to combine them both and make a career out of musical theatre.

- © Fairfax NZ News