Narre Warren North’s Claire Pyke has tapped her way to success, after winning a $400 dance scholarship.
By Rebecca Fraser
IT was a case of fourth time lucky when talented Narre Warren North tapper Claire Pyke was awarded a dance scholarship.
The 17-year-old had auditioned for the Southern Federation of Dance scholarship four times, coming second on three occasions, before finally winning the $400.
Ms Pyke has danced at the Cathy-Lea Academy of Performing Arts in Narre Warren for more than 10 years. Her sister and brother are also keen tap dancers.
In 2004, younger sister Amy, now 14, won the tap scholarship and last year she also won a Southern Federation of Dance jazz scholarship. Brother Stuart also dances, and recently started solo tap performances.
Dance school proprietor Cathy Howell said she was very proud of Ms Pyke’s achievement. She congratulated fellow student Melanie Kurt who received a runner-up award.
Ms Pyke was judged on her technique and detail, and also gave a solo performance before being awarded the scholarship.
The year 11 student plans to use the funds to pay for her dance tuition. Her mother Ruth Pyke said her daughter was “over the moon” to receive the scholarship.
Claire and Amy are studying at Beaconhills in Pakenham where both girls have dance and drama scholarships.
Claire is keen to teach dance and drama and is currently study VCE dance at the Cathy-Lea Academy.
“Dance has certainly always been a part of her life and it always will be,” Ms Pyke said. “They all love to perform, it is good exercise and they have made good friends.”
