Lachlan Goffage, a SCBC Year 8 student, competed in the State ATOD (Australian Teachers’ of Dance) Scholarships for Tap dancing. To be eligible to dance in this competition, you must receive a dance exam grade of High Distinction and above for three years in a row.

This competition was held at Koorliny Arts Center and Lachlan was awarded 1st place for the State in 14/U category. He was the only male dancer in his section. This entitled him to travel to Melbourne to compete for WA in the Australasian ATOD Scholarship Championships with other members of his dance company for Tap and Jazz. Eight dance students from All About Dance Company in Port Kennedy and their Mums traveled to Melbourne in early July where they competed over three days. One day was a choreography class where points allocated went to their overall score and then the competition was held over the weekend.

As a group we received 1st place for 16/U Tap and 2nd for 12/U Tap. We got to bring the Tap Dancing Shield back to WA. Lachlan and our other male dancer were the only male tap dancers in their age groups in Australia. It just shows that if you really love something and work hard at it, there’s nothing to stop you. Your only limitation is yourself. It was a fantastic experience and a reward for a lot of hard work and many, many hours of dance practice and training. Congratulations Lachlan!