Edstart award winner dancing her way to The Big Apple
Holly Robinson is on her way to being part of one of the world’s best dance companies - and she’s only 13 years old. In the three years since she won the Edstart Achievement Awards back in 2021, she’s continued on to win a stack of titles and made some serious moves towards her dream to make it big abroad.
Like something out of a movie
In 2022 Holly was selected to attend the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive program in New York City. Getting accepted was a huge moment - The American Ballet Theatre is recognised as one of the world’s leading classical ballet companies. Thousands of hopeful dancers applied, and Holly was one of only three international dancers to make the cut.
Training at the school was full on, running 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday rotating through different tutors and learning new techniques for five weeks straight. As well as building their skills, Holly’s class worked towards a group performance of Waltz of The Hours they performed to parents at the end of the program, which was a huge hit.
Taking in the sights and sounds of New York City was also a dream come true. When she had spare time she loved exploring the city, visiting Times Square and riding the subway - both scenes she described like being in a movie.
More titles than a bookstore
Holly has won her fair share of competitions. At the rate she’s going, she’s going to need to invest in a whole new trophy cabinet.
Some of her favourite moments include placing first with her contemporary solo at the Talent Tribe competition this year in Sydney, taking out a free trip to New York and the chance to compete in the World Dance Pageant in Brooklyn. She also took out first in the Australian Classical Challenge, netting a $1,000 cash prize.
Internationally, one of her highlights was entering Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s largest student ballet competitions in New York, where she made the final round with her Contemporary solo, and finished third overall.
Sponsorship from the world's best
When she was 9 years old Holly was asked by Bloch to be one of their Young Artists. Established in Sydney over 90 years ago, Bloch is the world’s leading provider of technical dance footwear and apparel, with sponsored dance teams in all the major centres around the world.
Bloch supplies Holly with apparel and shoes she uses to create content for her 122,000 Instagram followers, and the sponsorship has opened the door for many auditions and competitions. She uses Bloch apparel for her own performances, a big help given the price of pointe shoes and how many pairs she goes through!
Stepping into the future
Next on the agenda is once again attending the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive program in New York, this time on a full scholarship! Holly can’t wait to be back in the Big Apple and see all her friends, and is also looking forward to competing in the World Dance Pageant while she’s there.
New York features heavily in Holly’s future plans and ambitions. Soon, she plans to audition for the American Ballet Theatre School, followed by the American Ballet Theatre Junior company, then the big one - the American Ballet Theatre Company for the rest of what looks like a very promising career.
About Edstart
Edstart is a leading technology and financial services company providing funding and payment services for education. We offer fee management solutions to schools and flexible payment plans to parents to help make school fees easier to manage.
To see how we can help you, visit our main website.
Find out more
Edstart is a leading technology and financial services company providing funding and payment services for education. We offer fee management solutions to schools and flexible payment plans to parents to help make school fees easier to manage.
To see how we can help you, visit our main website.
Find out more