Dancing sisters shine on stage

The Carrigan sisters are no strangers to the spotlight, having already graced the stage in many large dance productions.

Fairholme Year 9 student, Ava, is the eldest of the four Carrigan girls and has been dancing for almost as long as she has been walking.

Dreaming of one day performing professionally, Ava is well on her way to achieving her goal, having already performed with an impressive array of dance companies.

‘I do about 22 hours of dance each week, including classical ballet, contemporary and jazz. I love performing on stage after months of training

and collaborating with choreographers to bring the performance to life and share it with the audience.’

Both Ava and her younger sister Grace (Year 7), recently performed alongside a cast of 60 young dancers from across Australia, in the Majors & Minors production for Brisbane-based contemporary dance company, RB Corp. Instruction.

For both young dancers, this production has been a highlight of their blossoming dance careers. It’s being part of junior companies and performing together with her friends that motivates Grace’s passion for dance.

‘I love making new friends and learning different styles of dance. I’m not sure where dancing will lead me, but I just know it will always be part of my life.’

For Year 5 student Lula, dancing is less about taking centre stage and more about keeping fit and having fun. Lula’s true love is being on the family farm and horse riding with her cousin, but she still loves dancing for fun and fitness.

‘Dance is fun, and it makes me happy spending time with my friends. I really enjoy being part of my dance school’s Christmas production each year and supporting my sisters.’

Following in the footsteps of her older sisters, the youngest of the Carrigan siblings, Miette, is a jazz, tap and hip hop girl. At just seven years of age, Miette has already successfully secured herself a lead role, playing Young Sven in the Toowoomba Ballet Theatre’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’ earlier this year.

Miette is also set to take the stage in September as part of the Brisbane City Youth Ballet’s production of The Magic Toyshop.

‘I love performing at Eisteddfods and being part of theatre productions. When I grow up, I want to dance and paint.’

The future is certainly bright for these dedicated young dancers. We look forward to seeing where their talents lead them in the future both on and off the stage.