Talented local dancer Paris Ackland was crowned the Adult National Champion Dancer of the Follow Your Dreams National Dance Competition in Adelaide.
After receiving the runner-up for the national title last year, Ackland was determined to take home the top spot this year.
She said she felt both excited and relieved to win.
“To be able to get that next step up from the last time was definitely a good feeling,” she said.
Her Jazz Solo stole the show in the top three Gala Performance and she was presented with a large trophy and tiara.
Ackland also received the Director’s Choice Award for her longstanding commitment to the competition.
“It felt a bit special to get acknowledged in that respect as well.” She said.
Ackland said she made lots of connections around Australia at the Follow Your Dreams tours.
“They are all super supportive so it was really good to be able to share that moment with all them,” she said.
She said lots of people watched the event from home via live stream and she received lots of love and support from everyone.
Ackland is an owner of Hype Dance studio and said her achievement was a great way to show her students the hard work, determination and persistence required to win a national competition.
“It just shows my students to never give up on it,” she said.
Three other Hype Dance students also attended the competition.
Alex Bell received honourable mentions for his two routines in the nine and under age group.
Lilly Thomson also received an honourable mention for her hip hop solo in the 11 years and under age group and Jaxon Groves took home first place with his hip hop solo, improving on his results from the previous year.
The 25-year-old has danced since she was two and has attended Follow Your Dreams tours for 16 years.
She said dancing is a way to express herself and makes her feel good no matter what.
She said she enjoys projecting her love for dancing on everyone around her.
“The teaching side of it is definitely a big highlight for me,” she said.
“Because I then get to share that with the students I teach and hope they also feel to same passion as I do.”
