Newcastle Teen's Tap Triumph Earns Dream Ticket to Italy
What began as spontaneous living room dances to video game soundtracks has blossomed into an international opportunity for a talented young performer from Newcastle. Nicholas Ridgeway, a 17-year-old school captain at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts, has secured a prestigious victory that will see him represent Australia on a global stage.
A National Champion Emerges from the Hunter
Nicholas claimed the title of Senior Dancer of the Year in the 17-18-year-old category at the recent Showcase National Dance Championships. This significant achievement involved outperforming more than fifty other skilled dancers from across the country. The win grants him the honour of competing for Australia in his age group at the World Dance Movement, scheduled for July in Italy.
"It feels like a dream come true," Nicholas expressed, reflecting on his unexpected journey. "I could never have imagined this, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever achieve something of this magnitude."
The Routine That Captured Hearts and Judges
For his winning performance, the teenager presented a tap-dancing routine set to a Pentatonix cover of the classic song Hallelujah. The choreography was crafted by Toni Zink, the former owner of Bling Performing Arts, where Nicholas regularly attends dance classes.
"It's the routine I connect to the most emotionally," Nicholas explained. "We believed it would be the perfect piece for the Showcase Nationals, and it truly resonated on the day."
From Family Soccer to a Passion for Dance
Nicholas first discovered his love for movement at the age of seven, when his parents, Megan and family, noticed his innate joy in dancing around their home. Despite coming from a family traditionally involved in soccer, his mother Megan recognised her son's unique calling from a very young age.
"He just absolutely loves it with a burning passion," Megan Ridgeway said. "Being on stage is unequivocally his happy place. We've always supported him in following his heart."
A Diverse Dancer with a Special Love for Tap
While Nicholas is proficient in a range of styles including jazz, lyrical, and hip hop, he holds a particular affection for tap dancing. He describes it as a powerful medium for personal expression.
"I believe tap is a fantastic way to express yourself through dance," he shared. "It allows you to create intricate rhythms and patterns, and ultimately, to tell a compelling story with your feet."
He describes the moment before a performance as a mix of adrenaline and subsequent calm, a state where he focuses on conveying emotion through his art.
Balancing School and Preparing for the World Stage
The upcoming international competition brings a blend of nerves and excitement for Nicholas, who is simultaneously navigating his final year of secondary school. Looking beyond graduation, he aspires to enter a full-time dance program, with long-term dreams of performing on Broadway, in London's West End, or in major film musicals.
A Historic Win for Tap Dancing
Hannah Pandel, the current owner of Bling Performing Arts and one of Nicholas's dance teachers, highlighted the rarity of his achievement. She noted that a tap dancer winning the senior category at this level is a remarkable event, not seen in two decades.
"It is incredibly special and a testament to Nicholas's dedication," Ms Pandel stated. "I have taught Nic since 2022, and watching him evolve from a talented teenager into the accomplished young adult he is today has been an absolute privilege."
This story from Newcastle serves as an inspiring reminder of how local passion, when nurtured, can lead to extraordinary national and international recognition.
