Karli’s a star

By Kelly Yates
Five-year-old Karli Thomas recently won her first dance competition after performing a three-minute solo classical ballet routine in her favourite pink tutu.
Despite suffering from severe eczema since birth, Karli’s mother Sharon believes dancing has helped her daughter get through the tough times.
Karli has been in and out of hospital at the Royal Children’s Hospital this year seeking treatment for eczema.
The condition means Karli has extremely dry skin that cracks and forms like an open wound.
“It’s extremely painful. She used to have a lot of trouble sleeping,” Ms Thomas said.
“She’s doing really well now and her skin’s starting to look normal.”
Ms Thomas said her daughter thrived and lived for her dancing.
Karli has been dancing for almost two years at Backstage Dance Academy in Narre Warren, under the guidance of her teacher Jessica Solomon.
Karli goes down in history as the first of Ms Solomon’s students to win a solo.
“She’s a talented little dancer with a lot of potential,” Ms Solomon said.
Karli told the News she loved her dancing because it was fun.
“It makes you feel pretty like a princess,” she said.
“I like ballet because it’s soft.”
Ms Thomas said she was proud of her daughter’s achievements.
“When she first started dancing she was shy and wouldn’t leave my side,” she said.
“She’s come a long way now and I think the dancing has had a truly positive effect on her.”