MOREE classical dancer Livia Marchant has taken the next step in her promising career with enrolment at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts.
Livia began dancing at three years of age under the tutelage of Elissa Finlay and continued with Moree Dance Academy principal Chelsie Assef, academy teacher Demi Thorburn and during the past 12 months, Ruby Tighe.
Now 16, Livia has the dancing world at her feet.
Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is the first government school in New South Wales to provide a continuous program of academic achievement and excellence in performing arts.
At Moree Academy of Dance, Livia studied jazz, contemporary, lyrical and classical ballet. She has performed in annual concerts and Eisteddfods and her studies include solos under the guidance of Ms Thorburn.
Chelsie Assef has watched Livia blossom over the past 10 years.
“Livia’s dancing story is one of hard work and dedication. As a teacher, it has been a joy to watch her grow over the past decade and to play a small part in her wonderful story,” Chelsie said.
“When I first met Livia, she was quiet and shy, with twinkling eyes and a huge smile.
“Back in 2014, the Moree Academy of Dance rented the Anglican Church Hall. Livia would arrive as soon as school finished and wait patiently and eagerly for her classes to start.
“She would sit and watch the other classes and sometimes stay late – depending on her mother Yasmin’s work schedule – and quietly observe the older students dance.
“Livia showed promise from an early age. But, more importantly, she has a wonderful work ethic, a positive attitude and a beaming smile,” Chelsie said.
“In 2021, Livia began to shine. Demi and I watched as her wonderful mother, Yasmin, took her to numerous ballet workshops during school holidays.
“We watched as she won her first solos at local dance eisteddfods, and watched and cheered as she flourished,” she said.
Livia’s mum, Yasmin, said Livia will study at Newtown as she heads towards university. She will also be enrolled in contemporary and classical ballet.
“Livia will be living in the city for the first time away from her family, to achieve her dancing dreams,” Yasmin said.
“Moving from Moree to Newtown for Years 11 and 12 will advance her skills towards becoming a professional dancer.
“Liv’s aspiration is to become an international dancer or work in musical theatre – that has always been her dream,” Yasmin said.
At Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Livia will perform in events on and off campus.
To gain entry, Liv completed two auditions against peers from across Australia.
She has also performed in New South Wales International Ballet Academy productions in Sydney and underwent summer workshops at Queensland Ballet, practicing ballet repertoire.
“Each year, Liv takes Royal Academy of Dance exams,” Yasmin said.
“This year, she completed her intermediate and is working on her next exam, advanced foundations. “These exams take hours of stretching, strengthening and pointe shoe training.”
Livia, a Moree Secondary College student, also participated in statewide dance productions with her school.
“Liv wants to show country kids that anything is possible,” Yasmin said.
“Growing up, Liv always loved dance. The studio is her happy place. She loves the music and everything about dance, and never gives up.
“After high school, Livia wants to travel with a dance company internationally, complete an arts degree, and teach dance to country kids,” Yasmin smiled.
Livia will showcase her skills at the Moree Academy of Dance’s concert on Saturday.
This year’s performance, Dreaming of Wonderland, is a modern interpretation of a classical favourite and will be held Saturday, November 16 at Moree West Public School.
Images: Lesley Barklay and Georgina Poole
Moree Academy of Dance’s Dreaming of Wonderland
When: Saturday, November 16
Where: Moree West Public School
Time: Two sessions – 2pm and 4.30pm
Tickets: Available at Assef’s at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children
