Matilda Backus’ dedication to dance has been acknowledged after the young superstar won three junior championships on Thursday night.
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Tilly was awarded first place in the junior modern championship, the junior contemporary championship and the junior ballet championship at the Dubbo eisteddfod.
The Dubbo dancer was also awarded second place in the junior jazz championship.
Lily Woods from Mudgee also smashed it out of the park. Lily, who dances with Dream Dance Academy, received first place in the junior jazz championship, as well as second in the junior modern championship and junior contemporary championship.
First place in the junior tap championship was awarded to Maddison Field.
Orana Dance Centre principal Hayley McKernan said Tilly had incredible talent.
“Tilly’s a very special dancer. She remembers everything and she perfects everything. She excels in all areas,” Ms McKernan said.
“To be only 11 [years old] and already showing so much talent is just incredible.”
During her time at the eisteddfod, Ms McKernan said Tilly performed 16 solo dances and would be doing another 16 group performances across three different age groups.
To make her feat even more amazing, the principal said Tilly had spent the last month overseas with her family, only returning Sunday.
“She was about eight when she started here and we’ve turned her into a bit of a superstar,” Ms McKernan said.
In the last year, Ms McKernan said she had been blown away by the young star’s dedication to improving her health and fitness. Tilly worked her bum off every day at the dance studio, Ms McKernan said.
The principal said she was proud of all her dancers who had performed in the eisteddfod and their incredible results.
The championships marked the end of the solo dance section. The group performances will be held on Saturday, as well as the following week, June 24.