Queenstown Dance Awards Inspire Local Talent and Community Growth

The inaugural Queenstown Dance Awards, created and directed by former local dancer Sophia Purdon, successfully brought together over 400 attendees at the Queenstown Memorial Centre. The event aimed to support local competitive dancers and boost Queenstown’s reputation as a vibrant dance destination.

Purdon, who began her dance journey at the Queenstown School of Dance, recognized the challenges faced by young dancers in accessing competition opportunities. “Back in the day, I had to travel a long way to any dance competitions, and there still aren’t many opportunities,” she explained. With this initiative, she hopes to change that narrative by providing a platform for local talent.

The awards featured a competitive lineup of dancers and included significant opportunities for participants, such as a full scholarship valued at $13,000 and placements with a full-time dance and entertainment agency in Sydney. Purdon expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, highlighting not only the high calibre of competitors but also the strong community spirit fostered during the event.

Since relocating to Auckland in 2019, Purdon has achieved remarkable success in the dance industry, joining a prestigious New Zealand troupe that has led her to national and international competitions, national titles, and professional opportunities, including scholarships in Los Angeles. In addition to her dance career, she also works as a national and international model.

The Queenstown Dance Awards received backing from local businesses such as Bermuda Pools, Custom Homes, and Patagonia Chocolates. Looking ahead, Purdon is eager to expand support from both the community and local businesses to enhance the event further. “Going forward, we’d love to get more community and business support to grow the event and keep creating something really special for Queenstown’s young dancers,” she stated.

Next year’s awards are already set for September 4-6, 2024, with an international adjudicator confirmed to judge the competition. Purdon’s vision for the awards aligns with her commitment to nurturing local talent and elevating Queenstown’s status in the dance world.