Destined to SOAR.
This interview series is aimed at celebrating, recognising and promoting the incredible talent and ferocious courage of our young women of tomorrow.
Let's recognise the magnificent effort of girls in sport across all codes!
Today our interview is with youth sensation Allanah Nemhe. Soar Active had the privilege to catch up with Allanah and chat about her love for dancing. Specifically Ballet/Point, Acrobatics, Contemporary and Silks.
1. Allanah, tell us about your early life?
Allanah: From the age of two I took part in my first ballet class and instantly fell in love and knew that ballet is what I wanted to grow up doing. I continued dance classes for Ballet, Jazz and tap until I was 6 years of age. Then due to my family and I moving houses, I had to take a break from dancing.
2. So how did you discover Dancing?
Allanah: Dancing has been in my life and my passion for as long as I can remember. Dancing was the first sport I tried and I fell in love. I am the happiest when I'm performing and dancing.
3. What was your next step?
Allanah: Whilst on my break from dance I drove the family crazy cartwheeling and turning around the house non-stop. My Mum decided to try out some local dance studios, but the environment at some studios didn’t feel very welcoming. Then in February 2020, my friend recommended me to ACTiv Elite Performers. I had my first trial class, instantly fell in love, and was welcomed by Charisse and the beautiful ACTiv community.
4. How do you balance your competitive training and managing school?
Allanah: Due to my scholarship I am able to take on more dance classes and I also started high school. I was a little worried about how I was going to handle the assessments, exams and homework. I have learnt some ways to balance competitive training and school work, such as; if I get given homework for the next day but I have dance class all evening I go to the library to complete it, also I try not to procrastinate and get my work done at least one day before its due. In my family, if I haven’t completed work I won’t be able to go to class. This motivates me to complete all school work on time. 5.
5. What do you do in your downtime?
Allanah: In my downtime, I like to do some yoga or help my grandmother in the kitchen.
6. What makes you feel happy, brave, and strong?
Allanah: Performing on stage makes me feel happy, brave, and strong.
7. Tell us about a special moment in the last year?
Allanah: A special moment that happened in the last year was being the youngest scholarship winner ever to receive the James Jonathan scholarship at ACTiv Elite Performers. The scholarship keeps James’s memory alive and I can’t believe I am a part of that legacy now. I am so grateful to my teachers for believing in me.
8. What is your ultimate goal?
Allanah: My ultimate goal is to be accepted into a ballet company and travel the world for dance. In the meantime, I want to focus and improve my technique and in a couple of years hopefully complete a cadetship at ACTiv Elite Performers, teaching younger students and encouraging their love for dance. It brings me joy when I see younger students in a ballet class as I know their love for dance will only grow and I hope that I can help them along their journey.
9. What's your favourite attribute about yourself?
Allanah: I would say being determined when I feel passionate and love something I will push myself to achieve it and I don’t stop until I get it right.
10. What has Dancing taught you about life?
Allanah: Dancing has taught me that no one and nothing is perfect and to acknowledge the things that I am good at and to never compare myself to others.
11. What would you say to other young females about following their dreams?
Allanah: I have two pieces of advice for young females; Firstly; Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you're struggling. I have progressed at ACTiv Elite Performers and that is because of the encouraging and supportive staff and community who want to help you and want you to succeed. And secondly, choose friends that lift you up! My friends at ACTiv Elite Performers are so proud and supportive whenever I have accomplished something and they are always there for me whenever I need advice or even just a hug. Remember to never give up, stay strong and work hard.
Follow Allanah's inspiring journey on Instagram
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Know another inspiring young teen or want to be featured?
email us at hq@soacactive.com
