'Embarrassing' talent unites squad
A Fendalton teenager has single handedly raised the profile of aerobics at her school culminating in a trip to nationals for her squad.
Lucy Dallison, 18, coaches the St Margaret's College aerobics squad which is on its way to the New Zealand Competitive Aerobics Federation (NZCAF) national school aerobics championship in late September.
Lucy's quest to get her squad to the nationals began last year when she squashed down any embarrassment and took to the stage in the school's talent competition.
"No one really knew what aerobics was at school and so, and it's a bit embarrassing to remember this now, I entered the talent quest to show everyone what it was about,'' she said.
Her gamble paid off as she was emailed straight away by four keen St Margaret's students who now form her highly successful squad of Zoey Williams, Iris Keizer, Alice Whittle and Yifat Majgaonkar.
"All four girls have qualified for nationals by placing at the regional competition. Alice and Yifat won their divisions,'' she said.
"They are a great group of girls who are committed to training and this is reflected in their routines.''
Now Lucy is busy organising flights and accommodation and choreographing routines for the national competition - despite already having a very busy schedule.
Not only does Lucy compete herself in aerobics under the experienced eye of Megan Pyne from the High Flyers club but she also teaches dance at the Southern Ballet Theatre after gaining her advanced diploma in hip hop, jazz and ballet.
Her schedule means she doesn't have a day off - but Lucy says although sometimes her life can get busy she tries to stick to a rigid timetable.
"I have to prioritise. Sometimes there is an imbalance,'' she said.
The success of her squad has resulted in a queue of girls at St Margaret's who want to take up the sport.
Although Lucy does want to stay with her squad, as a year 13 student she is currently looking at her options for studying law and arts at university next year.
"This is my last year at school so hopefully there will be a good captain who can take over."
